Moderate community-acquired pneumonia
What is Moderate Community-Acquired Pneumonia?
Moderate community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is an infection of the airways and lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It’s usually a mild to moderate illness that’s treated with antibiotics at home. CAP can cause chest pain, fever, shortness of breath, and a productive cough. It can lead to more serious complications, such as an increased risk of developing other illnesses, including infections of the heart valves or lungs. CAP is one of the most common illnesses seen in primary care.
Symptoms of Moderate Community-Acquired Pneumonia
The symptoms of moderate CAP can vary depending on the cause. The most common symptoms include:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent, productive cough
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Confusion
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
Diagnosis of Moderate Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Your doctor may be able to diagnose CAP based on a physical examination and your medical history. To confirm the diagnosis, they may order a chest X-ray, complete blood count (CBC), and blood tests to check for infection. Your doctor may also take a sputum sample to test for the presence of bacteria or viruses.
Treatment for Moderate Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Treatment for moderate CAP typically involves antibiotics, which are usually taken for 10 to 14 days. Antibiotics are prescribed depending on the type of germ causing the infection. Oseltamivir, an antiviral drug, may also be prescribed if the infection is caused by a virus.
In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary. Hospital treatment includes intravenous antibiotics and additional tests, such as a CT scan, to better identify the amount and location of the infection.
Complications of Moderate Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Complications of moderate CAP can include:
- Spread of the infection from the lungs to other parts of the body, such as the bloodstream, heart valves, or brain
- Pneumonia-like symptoms that don't respond to antibiotics
- Bacterial pneumonia that follows viral pneumonia
- Fluid buildup in the lungs
- Blood clots in the lungs
