Uncomplicated Pneumonia

Diagnosis

Medicine Treatment

Referral

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J18.0-2/J18.8-9

DIAGNOSIS

• A chest X-ray should ideally be taken in all patients to confirm the diagnosis
• Send one sputum specimen for TB DNA PCR (Xpert® MTB/RIF) to exclude pulmonary tuberculosis

MEDICINE TREATMENT

If not severely ill (see referral criteria below):

• Amoxicillin, oral, 1 g, 8 hourly for 5 days

Severe Penicillin allergy:
Z88.0

• Moxifloxacin, oral, 400 mg daily for 5 days

A follow-up chest X-ray should ideally be taken to ensure resolution of the pneumonia, in patients >50 years of age

LoE:IIIb³⁵

REFERRAL

Any of the following:

• Confusion or decreased level of consciousness
• Cyanosis
• Respiratory rate of ≥30 breaths/minute
• Systolic BP <90 mmHg
• Diastolic BP <60 mmHg
• Deterioration at any point
• No response to treatment after 48 hours
• Patients with pneumonia:
  • From a poor socio-economic background
  • Who are unlikely to comply with treatment
  • Who live a considerable distance from health centres
  • Who have no access to immediate transport

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_17.3.4.2.1. Uncomplicated Pneumonia