Respiratory Emergencies
Acute respiratory conditions and management protocols
Conditions
Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)
ATS Category 3 - Evidence Grade A
Epidemiology
Most common lower respiratory tract infection. Incidence 1-11 per 1000 adults annually. Mortality 1-5% outpatient, 5-15% hospitalized.
Pathophysiology
Bacterial or viral infection of lung parenchyma causing inflammatory response, impaired gas exchange, and potential sepsis.
Risk Factors
- •Age >65 years
- •Smoking
- •Chronic lung disease (COPD, asthma)
- •Immunosuppression
- •Recent hospitalization
- •Aspiration risk