Pediatria pre prax 1/2013

Community-acquired pneumonia in children

Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) is clinically defined term with the presence of signs and symptoms of pneumonia in previously healthy individuals. The infection develops in the environment without connection with the hospital. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) annually 150 million children less than 5 years get sick of pneumonia and in developing countries there is still high mortality. In 55% of the cases the etiology is bacterial while in the lower age groups viral etiology is predominating. Atypical microorganisms play an important role in the etiology of CAP as well. Often a particular agent can not be confirmed by available laboratory methods. In the introduction, treatment is empirical, taking into account the most common causing microorganisms and their susceptibility to antimicrobial therapy. The clinical condition of the patient, comorbiditities and epidemiological situation must be considered as well. The precautions, especially vaccination, are very important.

Keywords: community acquired pneumonia, children, diagnosis, management, treatment.