Summary
Definition
History and exam
Other diagnostic factors
- chest pain
- asymmetrical expansion of the chest
- diminished resonance
- abnormal auscultatory findings
- tachycardia
- malaise/anorexia
Risk factors
- poor infection control/hand hygiene
- intubation and mechanical ventilation
- multidrug-resistant bacteria
- aspiration
- acid-suppression drugs
- depressed consciousness
- chest or upper abdominal surgery
Diagnostic investigations
1st investigations to order
- oxygen saturations
- chest x-ray
- full blood count
- blood gas
- C-reactive protein
- renal and liver function tests (LFTs)
- culture of sputum, nasopharyngeal swab, or tracheal aspirate samples
Investigations to consider
- CT scan chest
- chest ultrasound
- thoracocentesis and pleural fluid culture
- urine antigen testing
- PCR and/or serological tests including for SARS-CoV-2
Treatment algorithm
Contributors
Expert advisers
Honorary Professor of Respiratory Sciences
University of Leicester
Respiratory Consultant
Glenfield Hospital
Leicester
UK
Biography
JB is Chair of the British Thoracic Society.
Disclosures
JB declares that he has no competing interests.
BMJ Best Practice would like to gratefully acknowledge the previous expert contributor, whose work has been retained in parts of the content:
Forest W. Arnold, DO MSc, FIDSA
Associate Professor of Medicine
Division of Infectious Diseases
Department of Medicine
School of Medicine
University of Louisville
Louisville
KY
Disclosures
FWA declares that he has no competing interests.
Peer reviewers
Professor of Respiratory Infection/Honorary Consultant
University College London
London
UK
Disclosures
JB was a member of the NICE pneumonia guidelines committee.
Editors
Section Editor, BMJ Best Practice
Disclosures
HDC declares that she has no competing interests.
Lead Section Editor, BMJ Best Practice
Disclosures
RW declares that she has no competing interests.
Comorbidities Editor, BMJ Best Practice
Disclosures
JC declares that she has no competing interests.
Drug Editor, BMJ Best Practice
Disclosures
AM declares that he has no competing interests.
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer