Pneumonia: update on diagnosis and management

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Abstract
Why is it important? Community acquired pneumonia is an important healthcare concern. The annual incidence rate is 6/1000 in the 18-39 age group. This rises to 34/1000 in people aged 75 years and over. Admission to hospital is needed in 20-40% of patients with community acquired pneumonia. About 5-10% of these patients are admitted to intensive care. The overall mortality from community acquired pneumonia is 5-10%, so it is important to identify and treat patients with this disease.1 2 We will concentrate on three aspects of hospital management: assessment of disease severity, investigations, and antibiotic treatment.