ORAL EMPIRICAL-TREATMENT OF PNEUMONIA - THE CHALLENGE OF CHOOSING THEBEST AGENT

Knowledge of the respiratory pathogens that cause pneumonia, combined with data obtained from the initial history, physical examination, and laboratory studies, provides the framework for an empirical approach to the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia. Selection of empiric al therapy is based in large part on which of three broad groups of th e patient belongs to: previously well young adults, adults who are old er or have a history of smoking or alcoholism, or HIV-infected adults. Several newer oral agents offer subtle advantages and disadvantages w hen compared with traditional agents, and these must be carefully weig hted when prescribing treatment.