Community-acquired pneumonia in adults.

The incidence and mortality rates of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) continue to rise as patients age. The clinical presentation of CAP is variable; therefore, diagnosis can be challenging. Clinicians must rely on a careful history and physical examination when choosing empirical antibiotic treatment. Using current guidelines, this article discusses the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of adults with CAP in the primary care setting.