Community-acquired pneumonia (non Covid-19)

Monitoring parameters for CAP management should include aspects of both antimicrobial therapy and the disease state. A repeat chest x-ray in the weeks after symptoms have resolved may be ordered to confirm that the pneumonia has resolved, and to ensure that the chest x-ray is clear of any abnormalities. Routine follow-up chest imaging is not recommended if symptoms resolve within 5 to 7 days.[18]Metlay JP, Waterer GW, Long AC, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of adults with community-acquired pneumonia. An official clinical practice guideline of the American Thoracic Society and Infectious Diseases Society of America. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2019 Oct 1;200(7):e45-67. https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/full/10.1164/rccm.201908-1581ST http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31573350?tool=bestpractice.com

Good communication between patient and physician is the most important aspect in follow-up care. Physicians should tell their patients how long to expect the fever to last and when the cough should begin to resolve. The patient should tell the physician if he or she is not improving as predicted.