Models for Assessing Severity of Community Acquired Pneumonia

Abstract

Pneumonia can range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening. It is most serious for young children, people older than age 65, and people with health problems or weakened immune systems. CAP is the most common type of pneumonia. Most cases occur during the winter. About 4 million people get this form of pneumonia each year. About 1 out of every 5 people who has CAP needs to be treated in a hospital. The mortality rate of patients admitted is considerable, ranging from 5% to 25 %. Risk factors for CAP including: age >65 years, smoking, alcoholism, immunosuppressive conditions, and conditions such as COPD, cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic liver or renal disease, diabetes mellitus and dementia. Diagnosis of CAP depends on clinical manifestations, physical examination, laboratory findings, imaging and sometimes fiberoptic bronchoscope.