Factores de riesgo y epidemiología de la neumonía en la comunidad. Revisión Bibliográfica

Abstract

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a disease affecting the lung interstitium caused by microorganisms in the community environment, regardless of geographic location, season, or patient age. Pneumonia constitutes a global health problem. Worldwide, it is known that around 3 million people die from community-acquired pneumonia surpassing other diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. Therefore, it is essential to determine the factors that condition the development of the disease and its epidemiology. Objective: To analyze the risk factors and epidemiology in patients with community-acquired pneumonia. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional literature review was conducted, applied to data from the last five years, with a quantitative approach based on documentary research in SciELO, UpToDate, PubMed, and Dialnet databases, employing the Boolean operators "AND" and "OR." Results: In Ecuador, in 2019 and 2023, there were the highest number of reported cases of CAP. The primary etiological agents were S. pneumoniae, viral agents, H. influenzae, and others, which were less frequent. The most common risk factors associated with CAP were COPD, hypertension, diabetes, HIV, and alterations in consciousness. Finally, habits such as smoking, alcoholism, and overweight are modifiable factors that condition the appearance of severe CAP cases.