Understanding Pneumonia Pneumonia is more than just a "bad cough." It is an acute infection of the lung parenchyma that leads to inflammation and consolidation in the alveoli. This infographic from Postoperative Pulmonary Complications: Pneumonia and Acute Respiratory Failure Presentazione standard di PowerPoint From Common Infection to Critical Threat Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be: Community acquired (CAP) contracted outside healthcare settings Hospital acquired (HAP) develops during a hospital stay Ventilator associated (VAP) VAP HAP CAP Critical Decisions for the Treatment of Health care Associated Pneumonia in the ICU