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Community Acquired Pneumonia

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 3, 2024.

AMBULATORY CARE:

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)

is a lung infection that you get outside of a hospital or nursing home setting. Your lungs become inflamed and cannot work well. CAP may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

The Lungs

Common symptoms include the following:

Seek care immediately if:

Call your doctor if:

Treatment for CAP

depends on what type of germ is causing your CAP, and how bad your symptoms are. You may need to be admitted to the hospital if your pneumonia is severe. You may need antibiotics for at least 5 days if your pneumonia is caused by bacteria. Antiviral medicines may be given if you have viral pneumonia. You may need medicines that dilate your bronchial tubes. You may need oxygen if your blood oxygen level is lower than it should be.

Manage CAP:

Prevent CAP:


Follow up with your doctor within 3 days or as directed:

You may need another x-ray. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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