*CAP – Community-Acquired Pneumonia* 🦠 *Definition:* An infection of the lungs acquired *outside* of hospitals or healthcare facilities. 📌 *Common Causes (Pathogens):* - *Streptococcus pneumoniae* (most common) - *Haemophilus influenzae* - *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* - Viruses: Influenza, RSV - Atypical: *Legionella*, *Chlamydophila pneumoniae* 🩺 *Symptoms:* - Cough with sputum or phlegm - Fever and chills - Chest pain (especially with deep breathing) - Shortness of breath - Fatigue 🧪 *Diagnosis:* - Chest X-ray - Sputum culture - Blood tests (CBC, CRP) - Pulse oximetry - PCR tests for atypical organisms 💊 *Treatment:* Depends on severity & cause: - Outpatient (mild): Oral antibiotics like *amoxicillin*, *azithromycin*, or *doxycycline* - Inpatient (moderate-severe): IV antibiotics like *ceftriaxone + azithromycin* 🚨 *Complications:* - Pleural effusion - Respiratory failure - Sepsis - Lung abscess 🛡️ *Prevention:* - Pneumococcal vaccine - Annual flu shot - Hand hygiene - Avoid smoking