Patients in the ‘mild pneumonia’ group were characterized by positive sputum cultures in the presence of relatively lower inflammation markers, such as PCT (adjusted P ≤ 1.63 × 10−3, 1.42 ± 2.03 ng ml−1) and CRP (adjusted P ≤ 0.03 × 10−1, 50.60 ± 37.58 mg L−1), while receiving antibiotics more frequently (adjusted P ≤ 1.00 × 10−5, 80% (n = 78), 95% CI: 70%, 89%) and additional medications (electrolytes, blood thinners and circulation-supporting medications) (adjusted P ≤ 1.00 × 10−5, 82% (n = 78), 95% CI: 73%, 91%). Here, CRP is linked to susceptibility to pneumonia measurement.