Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)

What is Community-Acquired Pneumonia?

It is a disease in which individuals who have not recently been hospitalized develop an infection of the lungs (pneumonia). CAP is a common illness and can affect people of all ages. It occurs because the areas of the lung which absorbs oxygen (alveoli) from the atmosphere become filled with fluid and cannot work effectively.

What are the causes of CAP in immunocompetent adults?

Immunocompetent adults refer to anyone who has the normal bodily capacity to produce an immune response against a disease. In immunocompetent individuals, several less common organisms can cause CAP. The patient may have special risk factors that can cause CAP. CAP can also be diagnosed after treatment for the common causes has failed.

What are the signs and symptoms of CAP?

Problem breathing Coughing that produces greenish or yellow mucus A high fever that may be accompanied with sweating, chills and uncontrollable shaking Sharp or stabbing chest pain Rapid, shallow breathing that is often painful Coughing up of blood (hemoptysis) Headaches (including migraine headaches) Loss of appetite Excessive fatigue Blueness of the skin (cyanosis) Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea Joint pain (arthralgia) Muscle aches (myalgia)

What are the treatments of CAP?

CAP is treated by administering an antibiotic which is effective in killing the microorganism as well as managing any complications of the infection.

How can CAP be prevented?

If you are a smoker, quit smoking. It is important not only for treatment of any basic lung disease, but also because cigarette smoke get in the way with many of the bodys natural defenses against CAP.

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