Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Childhood

Popovsky, Erica Y.; Florin, Todd A.

The diagnosis of pneumonia in children is challenging due to overlapping clinical features of viral and bacterial etiologies of pneumonia, in addition to other lower respiratory tract pathologies. Although limited, chest radiography remains the reference standard for diagnosis. In all pediatric age groups excluding neonates, viral pathogens are the most common etiology of pneumonia, with S. pneumoniae as the most common typical bacterial pathogen. Diagnostic testing should be focused to those at higher risk for pathogen detection or in situations where diagnostic testing results will change management. Treatment for bacterial pneumonia should begin with narrow-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics, but broadening to third-generation cephalosporins may be appropriate in certain situations.