Pneumonia

Modes of Transmission and Risk Factors

• Direct contact with an infected person and contaminated surfaces is a common mode of transmission for lower respiratory infections
• People at a higher risk of developing bacterial pneumonia include the elderly, young children, and those with underlying medical conditions

Bacterial Pneumonia

• The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Bacterial pneumonia is typically characterized by rust-colored or bloody sputum
• Imaging findings characteristic of bacterial bronchopneumonia include multifocal, patchy, or diffuse infiltrates

Community-Acquired Pneumonia

• Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common causative agent of community-acquired pneumonia
• Hospital-acquired pneumonia, also known as nosocomial pneumonia, is acquired more than 48 hours after hospital admission and is usually more severe

Lobar Pneumonia

• Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of lobar pneumonia

Influenza

• Influenza A is the type of influenza virus that has produced pandemics
• The most recent outbreak of influenza was caused by the H1N1 virus
• The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) can prevent pneumonia

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

• Emphysema is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease characterized by destruction of smooth muscle and elastic tissue, leading to permanent dilation of bronchi and bronchioles

Bronchiectasis

• The main treatment for bronchiectasis is antibiotic therapy andbronchodilators
• A chest X-ray or CT scan can help diagnose bronchiectasis

Diagnostic Tests

• A rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT) can differentiate between flu and pneumonia