Community-acquired pneumonia

Community-acquired pneumonia is a major global health challenge that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including older people, immunocompromised people, those with chronic conditions, and young children. Once considered solely an acute illness, community-acquired pneumonia is now recognised as a disease with long-term complications, including cardiovascular events, respiratory impairment, and cognitive decline. Advances, such as nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and the broader availability of point-of-care lung ultrasound, allow for rapid pathogen detection and personalised treatment. However, substantial uncertainties remain regarding the role of NAATs, lung ultrasounds, and serum biomarkers in clinical practice. Antibiotics are the cornerstone of community-acquired pneumonia treatment, but the roles of adjunctive therapies, including corticosteroids and immunomodulators, remain incompletely defined. Comprehensive community-acquired pneumonia management emphasises personalised treatment, rehabilitation after the acute episode, routine cardiovascular screening, and strengthening preventive measures, such as vaccination. As precision medicine advances, integrating diagnostics and tailored therapies will improve outcomes and reduce the global burden of community-acquired pneumonia.