Classifying Pneumonia
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is distinguished from hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP, onset 48 hours or more after admission) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) — the distinction matters because expected pathogens and resistance patterns differ.
When to Admit — CURB-65
The CURB-65 score sums five one-point criteria (confusion, urea, respiratory rate, blood pressure, age 65+):
- 0-1: outpatient treatment is often appropriate
- 2: consider admission or closely supervised outpatient care
- 3-5: consider admission, possibly ICU-level care
Antibiotics Basics by Severity
- Outpatient: typically a single oral agent per local guideline
- Inpatient, non-severe: combination therapy (e.g. beta-lactam plus macrolide)
- Severe / ICU: broader empirical cover, with early infectious disease or critical care input
Always follow local antimicrobial guidelines — resistance patterns vary by region. See the Common Antibiotics Guide for an overview of drug classes.
Severity Beyond the Score
CURB-65 doesn't capture oxygen saturation, significant comorbidities, or the ability to manage safely at home — any of these can independently justify admission even with a low score.