Severe Pneumonia

Description

Medicine Treatment

Referral

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J18.0-2/J18.8-9

DESCRIPTION

Severe pneumonia is defined as ≥2 of the following:

• Confusion/ decreased level of consciousness
• Respiratory rate of ≥30 breaths/ minute
• Systolic BP <90 mmHg
• Diastolic BP <60 mmHg
• >65 years of age

MEDICINE TREATMENT

While awaiting transfer:

• Oxygen, to achieve a saturation of 92%
• Ceftriaxone, IV/IM, 1 g, as a single dose before referral

CAUTION Do not administer calcium containing intravenous fluids, e.g. Ringer Lactate, concurrently with IV ceftriaxone.

REFERRAL

Urgent

• All patients

Click here to access the pdf.

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Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Primary Healthcare, 2020-4-Version 1.0_16 September 2024

Chapter 17: Respiratory Conditions_17.3 Respiratory infections_17.3.4 Pneumonia_17.3.4.2 Pneumonia in Adults_17.3.4.2.3 Severe Pneumonia