Health Tip: Diagnosing Pneumonia

(HealthDay News) -- Pneumonia is a lung infection that most often spreads through coughing, sneezing or touching.

Most people recover in one to three weeks, but pneumonia can be deadly, especially among people with weaker immune systems.

The American Lung Association explains how pneumonia may be diagnosed:

  • Physical exam: Your doctor will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. If you have pneumonia, your lungs may make bubbling or crackling sounds when you inhale.
  • Chest X-ray.
  • Blood test.
  • Arterial blood gases. This test will determine if enough oxygen is getting into your blood from the lungs.
  • CT scan of the chest.
  • Sputum test. This will help doctors identify the organism causing your symptoms.
  • Bronchoscopy. This procedure allows doctors to look directly into the lungs' airways.

    • Date Published: 2/28/2024 4:38:34 AM

    Related Articles

    Search Allergy Articles

    Seasonal Allergies Might Increase Suicide Rate, Study Says

    Scientists' Push For a Universal Vaccine Takes a Key Step Forward

    Mothers' Milk Might Be Key To Avoiding Childhood Food Allergies

    Rising Tree Pollen Counts Signal Start of Allergy Season

    Peanut Allergy Risk Higher If Older Sibs Eat Peanuts, Study Finds

    Holiday Tips To Keep Allergies and Asthma Under Control

    UV Air Filters Cut Airborne Asthma Triggers, Study Finds

    Wildfire Smoke Alters Immune System, Study Says

    Night Shift Associated With Asthma Risk In Women

    Living With Cats Not Linked To Worse Asthma in Children

    They Spent Hours In A Room Full Of Flu Patients And Walked Out Healthy — Here's How

    Sepsis, Lung Infection Patients See No Benefit From Remote Monitoring

    52 Kids Have Died From Flu So Far This Season as Child Hospitalizations Rise

    How Wildfires Might Increase Risk Of Flu, COVID-19

    Pentagon Drops Flu Vaccine Requirement For U.S. Military