Community-Acquired Pneumonia: Treatment and Best Practices in 2026 *ACPE-Accredited*

This episode addresses community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), focusing on updated guidelines for treatment and diagnosis. The discussion highlights changes in antibiotic duration, advocating for shorter courses (3-5 days) for stable patients and longer courses only for severe cases. The speakers emphasize avoiding antibiotics for confirmed viral pneumonia and caution against routine corticosteroid use in non-severe cases. Lung ultrasound is presented as an acceptable alternative to chest x-rays for diagnosis. They review antibiotic options based on patient health, comorbidities, and risk factors for resistant bacteria like MRSA and Pseudomonas, detailing appropriate empiric treatments and de-escalation strategies.