Student study notes from paramedic coursework (2023 to 2024), not medical advice. Verify clinical values against current references and your local protocols.
| EMS etiologies | Setting: ER |
Pneumonia is caused by pathogens entering the lungs and overwhelming the body’s immune defenses. Bacterial causes include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and atypical bacteria like Legionella and Mycoplasma. Viral causes include rhinovirus, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Fungal infections are less common but can occur, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Pathogens typically enter the lower respiratory tract through micro-aspiration from the oropharynx, or less commonly through bloodborne spread, and cause inflammation in the lung tissue, leading to pneumonia.
Symptoms of pneumonia include fever, chills, cough with sputum production, and pleuritic chest pain. Diagnostic evaluation involves imaging (such as chest x-rays) and blood tests help determine treatment settings. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, with different recommendations based on outpatient or inpatient settings and the severity of the illness. Hospitalization is recommended for patients with severe pneumonia, and intensive care may be needed for patients showing signs of rapid deterioration.