What Is Pneumonia?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
5. Classification
Pneumonia is generally classified based on how it was acquired. For example, community acquired, healthcare-associated, ventilator-associated, aspiration, and hospital-acquired pneumonia. It can also be classified based on the area of lung affected such as acute interstitial pneumonia, bronchial pneumonia, or lobar pneumonia.
It can also be classified based on the causative organism. In children, it can be classified based on the severity: non-severe, severe, and very severe. The setting of which pneumonia develops is important as it plays a crucial role in deciding the treatment for pneumonia. Depending on which setting it develops, it points to likely pathogens, possible mechanisms, and which antibiotics are the best option.
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