Mild Community-Acquired Pneumonia is one of the common types of pneumonia. Pneumonia, in general, is a respiratory infection that primarily affects the lungs. The parts of the lungs responsible for oxygen exchange are called alveoli. With pneumonia, alveoli of the lungs get filled with fluid, microorganisms, and debris from the immune system. This interferes with lung function, and therefore makes breathing difficult.
What is mild community-acquired pneumonia?
Mild Community-acquired Pneumonia is a type of pneumonia that is acquired outside the hospital.
Community-acquired pneumonia is frequently caused by a virus. In the cases where pneumonia is caused by bacteria, some of the most common causes are:
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Group A strep
- Staph aureus
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and Symptoms of mild community-acquired pneumonia include:
- Chills
- Malaise, or just not feeling good
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Elevated heart rate
Diagnosis
Community-acquired pneumonia can sometimes be difficult to diagnose as the signs and symptoms can be very similar to other illnesses. In general, the findings for community-acquired pneumonia are below:
Physical Examination
- Abnormal sounds when listening to the lungs with a stethoscope
- Rapid breathing
- Sweating or clammy to the touch
- General ill appearance
- Reduced level of oxygen in the blood or other abnormal vital signs
Pneumonia diagnosis also frequently involves a chest x-ray. In cases of more severe pneumonia, or with hospitalization, patients may also get CT scans or other tests to determine what is causing the pneumonia.
Treatment
Antibiotic Empiric Therapy
Community-acquired pneumonia is typically treated with antibiotics. The choice of antibiotics depends primarily on any allergies the patient has along with any other medical conditions the patient has. This treatment is called “empiric” which means the antibiotics cover the most common causes of community-acquired pneumonia.
Patients with more serious pneumonia that requires hospitalization may be given different medications depending on the results of their testing.
With empiric treatment, most patients see decreased cough and shortness of breath and generally start feeling better.
Supportive Therapy
Supportive therapy involves non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, cough suppressants, bronchodilators, and systemic steroids. As is the case with most illness, rest and drinking enough fluids can also be very helpful.
Prevention
Some forms of community-acquired pneumonia are preventable with vaccination. Two pneumococcal vaccines are available:
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, or PCV13, is recommended for children aged 2 months to 2 years and adults younger than 19 years with certain medical conditions that make them more susceptible to illness. PCV13 may also be given adults older than 65 years after risks and benefits are discussed between the patient and their primary care provider.
Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, or PPSV23, is recommended for all adults who are above 65 years and to any patient greater or equal to 2 years, having risk factors for pneumococcal infections, including but not limited to those with underlying cardiac or, lung, or immune system disorders and for smokers.
Contact us
In case of urgent medical care assistance, AfterOurs Urgent Care offers immediate telemedicine services through telemedicine appointments, where medical providers are available to offer assistance. Anyone who experiences signs and symptoms requiring urgent medical attention can simply book their appointment with AfterOurs Urgent Care to directly talk to an expert. If your medical issue is not appropriate for telemedicine, we will let you know and refer you to an in-person facility.
When to visit a doctor:
If you experience symptoms related to pneumonia that you think need immediate medical assistance, it is best to consult with a medical professional.
Treatment for mild community-acquired pneumonia is available at AfterOurs Urgent Care.