RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA

Abstract

Pneumonia is defined as an acute inflammatory process of infectious origin that affects the terminal airways and the pulmonary parenchyma and may be caused by viruses, bacteria, and, less frequently, fungi and parasites. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) affects patients outside the hospital setting or manifests within up to 48 hours after admission to a healthcare unit. Globally, CAP has an incidence ranging from 1.5 to 14 cases per 1,000 inhabitants and remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with a mortality rate of 41.7 per 100,000 inhabitants. In Brazil, respiratory diseases represent a major cause of mortality, with pneumonia being one of the most frequent conditions. More than one hundred microorganisms are capable of causing CAP; however, most cases with an identified pathogen are associated with specific agents. The frequency of CAP has decreased over time, likely due to pneumococcal vaccination in at-risk adults and widespread vaccination in children. However, viral infections have increased in recent years. The objective of this study was to analyze, through a literature review, the main causes of CAP and to synthesize scientific evidence to support clinical practice in the recognition, management, and prevention of complications associated with this multifactorial disease. This is a bibliographic review with a qualitative and descriptive approach. The literature clearly addresses essential diagnostic and therapeutic management protocols. Prevention, early diagnosis, appropriate management, and patient stabilization are fundamental for favorable clinical outcomes, resource optimization, and mortality reduction.