Community-Acquired Pneumonia vs Acute Bronchitis
Community-Acquired Pneumonia and Acute Bronchitis are easy to mix up on the boards. Here's a side-by-side comparison — presentation, workup, imaging, and first-line treatment — drawn from our full outlines.
Community-Acquired Pneumonia vs Acute Bronchitis at a glance
- Community-Acquired Pneumonia: Lower respiratory tract infection acquired outside of healthcare settings.
- Acute Bronchitis: Self-limited inflammation of the large airways, almost always viral.
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Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Community-Acquired Pneumonia | Acute Bronchitis |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | Lower respiratory tract infection acquired outside of healthcare settings. | Self-limited inflammation of the large airways, almost always viral. |
| Classic presentation | Lobar consolidation with bronchial breath sounds and egophony classically points to S. pneumoniae; bullous myringitis with patchy infiltrates suggests… | Cough — initially dry, often becoming productive of clear or purulent sputum (PURULENT SPUTUM ALONE DOES NOT INDICATE BACTERIAL INFECTION); Mild dyspnea,… |
| Workup / key labs | CBC (leukocytosis with left shift), BMP, lactate, procalcitonin (helps de-escalate antibiotics); Blood cultures × 2 if severe, ICU admission,… | Generally NONE needed in immunocompetent ambulatory patients with classic presentation; Procalcitonin and CRP not routinely indicated but can support… |
| Imaging | Chest radiograph (PA and lateral) — REQUIRED to diagnose pneumonia; lobar consolidation, interstitial infiltrate, or cavitation; CT chest if non-resolving,… | Chest radiograph NOT routinely needed — obtain if any of: HR >100, RR >24, T >38°C, focal exam findings (consolidation, rales), age >65, or immunocompromise —… |
| First-line treatment | Outpatient, no comorbidities, no recent antibiotics: amoxicillin 1 g TID OR doxycycline 100 mg BID OR macrolide (azithromycin, clarithromycin) if local… | Symptomatic and supportive care — antibiotics generally NOT indicated (high-value care); Hydration, rest; Antitussives (dextromethorphan, benzonatate) for… |
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