This page compiles our content related to pneumonia. For further information on diagnosis and treatment, follow the links below to our full BMJ Best Practice topics on the relevant conditions and symptoms.
Introduction
Relevant conditions
Community-acquired pneumonia (non COVID-19) | go to our full topic on Community-acquired pneumonia (non COVID-19) Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is defined as pneumonia acquired outside hospital or healthcare facilities. Patients with CAP typically present with signs and symptoms of lower respiratory tract infection (i.e., cough, dyspnoea, pleuritic chest pain, mucopurulent sputum, myalgia, fever).[1] Older people present more frequently with confusion or worsening of pre-existing conditions, without chest signs or fever.[2] Bacterial and viral pathogens are the leading cause of CAP; most infections are caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (also known as pneumococcus). Clinical judgment along with a validated prediction rule for prognosis is used to determine the need for hospital admission in adults with CAP.[3] Radiographic confirmation of the diagnosis (presence of new consolidation on a chest radiograph) should be obtained in hospitalised patients. |
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Hospital-acquired pneumonia (non COVID-19) | go to our full topic on Hospital-acquired pneumonia (non COVID-19) Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is an acute lower respiratory tract infection that is by definition acquired after at least 48 hours of admission to hospital and is not incubating at the time of admission.[4] The spectrum of HAP is now distinct from ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), which is defined as pneumonia occurring more than 48 hours after endotracheal intubation. HAP is more common in patients in the intensive care unit, those who have recently had major surgery, and those who have been in hospital for a long time.[5] Patients with HAP usually present with a combination of fever (or hypothermia), leukocytosis (or leukopenia), purulent sputum, and poor oxygenation. |
Viral pneumonia (non COVID-19) | Viral pathogens are frequently responsible for both community-acquired and hospital-acquired pneumonias. Infection is often caused by influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or parainfluenza virus; of these, influenza virus is the leading cause in adults.[6] Patients at the extremes of age, and individuals with immune suppression of any cause, including pregnancy, are at increased risk of viral pneumonia. The clinical features are non-specific, but a diagnosis can be made by isolating viral nucleic acid from respiratory tract secretions.[7] Co-infection with a bacterial pathogen (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae) is associated with increased bacterial virulence, and greater morbidity and mortality.[8] |
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) | go to our full topic on Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) A potentially severe acute respiratory infection caused by the novel acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Cases have been reported across all continents since the beginning of the pandemic in 2019, with over 772 million confirmed cases and over 6.9 million deaths reported globally.[9] The clinical presentation is generally that of a respiratory infection with a symptom severity ranging from a mild common cold-like illness, to a severe viral pneumonia leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome that is potentially fatal. Numerous COVID-19 vaccines are available globally, including: mRNA vaccines; adenovirus vector vaccines; protein subunit vaccines; and inactivated virus vaccines. |
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) | go to our full topic on Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral pneumonia that rapidly progresses to respiratory failure.[10] In 2003, an international outbreak developed involving 29 countries with 8098 cases of probable SARS and 774 (9.6%) deaths.[11] There have been no reported cases since 2004. The case fatality rate is approximately 10% and death usually occurs due to severe respiratory failure. Strong risk factors include recent travel (within 10 days of the onset of symptoms) to a foreign or domestic location with documented or suspected recent transmission of SARS, close and prolonged contact with an infected individual, or working in research laboratories on SARS-CoV.[12][13][14][15] |
Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) | go to our full topic on Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) An acute viral respiratory tract infection caused by the novel betacoronavirus MERS coronavirus. It was first identified in Saudi Arabia in 2012. Cases have been limited to the Arabian Peninsula and its surrounding countries, and to travellers from the Middle East or their contacts. The majority of patients present with fever and respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, dyspnoea); however, some patients may present with gastrointestinal symptoms only (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain). The case fatality rate is approximately 35%.[16] |
Atypical pneumonia (non COVID-19) | go to our full topic on Atypical pneumonia (non COVID-19) Atypical bacterial pneumonia is caused by atypical organisms that are not detectable on Gram stain and cannot be cultured using standard methods. The most common organisms are Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila.[17] The incidence of atypical pathogens in community-acquired pneumonia is approximately 22% globally, but this varies with location.[18] Atypical bacterial pneumonia is usually characterised by a symptom complex that includes headache, low-grade fever, cough, and malaise. Constitutional symptoms often predominate over respiratory findings, and there may be extrapulmonary manifestations. In most cases, presentation is in the milder spectrum of community-acquired pneumonia; some cases, especially if caused by L pneumophila, may present as severe pneumonia, necessitating intensive care unit admission. |
Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection | go to our full topic on Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection Mycoplasma are a group of bacteria, some of which are pathogenic in humans and animals. M pneumoniae is the cause of up to 20% of cases of community-acquired pneumonia and has also been implicated in some hospital-based epidemics. Patients may present with symptoms including an unresolved persistent cough, low-grade fever, headache, hoarseness, rash, and, rarely, bullous myringitis. M pneumoniae occurs mainly in children and young adults, and is often seen in close community settings (e.g., boarding schools, army bases, and universities).[17] The diagnosis is usually made clinically, but can be confirmed using nucleic acid amplification tests or cultures. |
Chlamydia pneumoniae infection | go to our full topic on Chlamydia pneumoniae infection Chlamydia pneumoniae is a common cause of acute respiratory tract infection in all age groups, worldwide. Patients may have 1-2 weeks of fever and cough, and may complain of pleuritic chest pain, headache, and sore throat.[19] Pneumonia due to C pneumoniae cannot be differentiated clinically from other atypical pneumonia-causing organisms, especially Mycoplasma pneumoniae.[20] The diagnosis can be confirmed using nucleic acid amplification tests. |
Legionella infection | go to our full topic on Legionella infection Legionella pneumonia, known as Legionnaires' disease, occurs when the bacteria are inhaled (or rarely aspirated) into the lungs. Nearly all cases of community-acquired Legionnaires' disease are associated with contaminated aerosols produced by man-made water systems.[21] Community-acquired Legionnaires' disease appears to be most prevalent during summer and autumn months.[22] Studies have linked this to warmer and wetter weather conditions and higher relative humidity in these seasons.[23] Presentation includes respiratory symptoms such as cough (may not be productive) and shortness of breath, fever, chills, and chest pain. Other symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhoea. Risk factors include non-municipal water supply, recent residential plumbing repair, smoking, use of whirlpool spas, and living close to a cooling tower. |
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia | go to our full topic on Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is an infection of the lung caused by the fungal organism Pneumocystis jirovecii (formerly known as Pneumocystis carinii). Typically, it causes clinical disease in severely immunocompromised patients, such as HIV-infected people with CD4+ count <200 cells/microlitre, haematopoietic cell transplant patients, solid-organ transplant patients, or patients on chronic immunosuppressive therapy. In the era of combination antiretroviral therapy, the incidence of PCP has declined.[24] Suspicion for PCP is based on clinical signs or symptoms of pneumonia in a person with immune suppression, especially when due to HIV infection. |
Coccidioidomycosis | go to our full topic on Coccidioidomycosis Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection caused by the endemic fungus Coccidioides species and is acquired through inhalation of airborne arthrospores within the endemic areas of the southwest US, northern Mexico, and limited areas of Central and South America. Coccidioidomycosis may be asymptomatic or can cause acute and chronic pulmonary syndrome; less than 5% of people with coccidioidomycosis experience extrapulmonary spread of infection.[25] Common symptoms include fever, headache, dry cough, shortness of breath, inspiratory chest pain, myalgia, and arthralgia, and may be accompanied by a rash. |
Aspergillosis | go to our full topic on Aspergillosis Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is caused by filamentous fungi of the Aspergillus species, which are found ubiquitously in soil. Inhalation of the aerosolised conidia (spores) causes the infection. Aspergillosis mostly affects immunocompromised patients and is rare in immunocompetent people. Clinical findings are non-specific and include fever, cough, and pleuritic pain. Lungs, sinuses, brain, and skin are sites of involvement. Key risk factors include allogeneic stem cell transplantation, prolonged severe neutropenia (>10 days), immunosuppressive therapy, chronic granulomatous disease, acute leukaemia, aplastic anaemia, and solid organ transplantation for invasive aspergillosis. Aspergilloma is mostly asymptomatic. It occurs in pre-existing lung cavities, and is generally secondary to tuberculosis.[26] |
Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis | go to our full topic on Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a hypersensitivity reaction to bronchial colonisation by Aspergillus fumigatus. Patients usually have a prior diagnosis of atopy, asthma or cystic fibrosis.[27] ABPA most often affects teenagers with cystic fibrosis and young to middle-aged adults with asthma, but it has also been diagnosed in infants with cystic fibrosis and older patients with asthma.[28] Presents as asthma complicated by bronchial obstruction, fever, malaise, expectoration of brownish mucus plugs, peripheral blood eosinophilia, and haemoptysis. Untreated, ABPA can lead to bronchiectasis, fibrosis, and respiratory compromise. |
Acute aspiration | go to our full topic on Acute aspiration Aspiration is the inhalation of foreign material into the airways beyond the vocal cords.[29] It can be categorised as aspiration pneumonitis or aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonitis is chemical injury after aspiration of gastric contents.[30] Aspiration of gastric contents is commonly seen in older patients due to associated swallowing dysfunction and comorbidities, or as a consequence of substance misuse. Strong risk factors include a decreased level of consciousness of any cause, which may lead to inadequate cough reflex and impaired glottal closure; dysphagia; general anaesthesia; intubation or tracheostomy tube; and older age. |
Aspiration pneumonia | go to our full topic on Aspiration pneumonia Aspiration pneumonia results from the inhalation of oropharyngeal contents into the lower airways that leads to chemical pneumonitis, lung injury, and resultant bacterial infection. It commonly occurs in patients with risk factors such as impaired conscious level, swallowing dysfunction, and gastrointestinal disease. Aspiration pneumonia predominantly occurs in older adults. Diagnosis is based on clinical signs or symptoms of pneumonia (e.g., cough, breathlessness, fever) in a person with a history of, or risk factors for, aspiration. |
Meconium aspiration syndrome | go to our full topic on Meconium aspiration syndrome Respiratory distress in the newborn due to the presence of meconium in the trachea. Meconium causes an inflammatory reaction in the airways; neonatal pneumonia may result. Clinical presentation includes tachypnoea and respiratory distress with cyanosis.[31] Infants born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid are at risk and typically present with respiratory distress soon after birth.[32] Key risk factors include: gestational age >42 weeks; maternal history of hypertension, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, smoking, substance abuse; fetal distress; oligohydramnios; thick meconium; an Apgar score <7; chorioamnionitis and caesarean delivery. |
Organising pneumonia | go to our full topic on Organising pneumonia Organising pneumonia (OP) is an inflammatory disorder involving both the peripheral bronchioles and alveoli simultaneously. It has distinctive radiographic findings, histological features, and response to corticosteroids (unlike usual interstitial pneumonia). OP may be caused by multiple insults such as medicine, infection, rheumatological disease, autoimmune disease, post-transplantation, radiation, and environmental causes. In cryptogenic organising pneumonia, a cause cannot be elicited after a careful history, examination and pertinent laboratory studies. Most often, diagnosis is made using clinico-radiological criteria and usually in the setting of a multidisciplinary team. |
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis | go to our full topic on Hypersensitivity pneumonitis Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), also known as extrinsic allergic alveolitis, is the result of non-IgE mediated immunologic inflammation. Occupational exposure to organic dust is the key epidemiological factor - most commonly including Actinomycetes bacteria, animal proteins, or reactive chemicals. The inflammation of HP manifests itself in the alveoli and distal bronchioles. Classification is determined by the predominant presence or absence of fibrosis on radiographic and/or histopathological examination. |
Assessment of dyspnoea | go to our full topic on Assessment of dyspnoea Dyspnoea, also known as shortness of breath or breathlessness, is a subjective sensation of breathing discomfort. The aetiology is broad, ranging from mild, self-limiting processes to life-threatening conditions. Diseases of the cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neuromuscular systems are the most common aetiologies. Dyspnoea may be acute (e.g., acute exacerbation of congestive heart failure, acute pulmonary embolism, acute heart valve insufficiency), subacute (e.g., worsening asthma, exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]) or chronic (e.g., stable COPD, stable interstitial lung disease). Dyspnoea is a key diagnostic feature of pneumonia. |
Assessment of chronic cough | go to our full topic on Assessment of chronic cough Common aetiologies of chronic cough (cough persisting for >8 weeks) in non-smoking adults, with a normal chest x-ray, who do not take ACE inhibitors, include upper airway cough syndrome; asthma; gastro-oesophageal reflux disease; and non-asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis.[33][34] Patients with chronic cough (usually productive of sputum), a history of fever, malaise, and chest pain, and examination findings of dullness to percussion, decreased breath sounds, and presence of rales, should be tested for pneumonia. |
Assessment of persistent pulmonary infiltrate | go to our full topic on Assessment of persistent pulmonary infiltrate Persistent pulmonary infiltrate results when a substance denser than air (e.g., pus, oedema, blood, surfactant, protein, or cells) lingers within the lung parenchyma. Non-resolving and slowly resolving pneumonias are the most common broad categories of persistent pulmonary infiltrate.[35] Persistence is attributed to defects in host immune defence mechanisms, presence of unusual or resistant organisms, or diseases that mimic pneumonia.[36][37] |
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