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

    Tools You Can Use to Control Winter Asthma, Allergy Symptoms

    Back-to-School Tips to Helping Your Kids Breathe Easier

    Some Chocolate Products Labeled 'Dairy-Free' Contain Milk, FDA Finds

    Are You Ruining Your Child's Chance To Avoid Food Allergies?

    FDA Approves First Nasal Spray to Curb Anaphylaxis, An Alternative to Injections

    Polluting Puff: Asthma Inhalers Are Big Contributors to Climate Change

    Time Of Day, Year Matters For Asthma Testing

    School-Based Asthma Programs Keep Kids Healthy And Learning

    Medicaid 'Unwinding' Cost Kids Access To Asthma Inhalers, Other Chronic Disease Meds

    Birth Control Pill Increases Risk Of Asthma Attacks In Young Women

    Flu Cases Start to Surge as Americans Prepare for Holiday Gatherings

    Severe Flu Season Raises Concerns About Brain Complications in Kids

    Many Americans Wary of Vaccines as Fall Flu, COVID Season Looms: Survey

    First U.S. Death From Bird Flu Reported in Louisiana

    Severe Infections Double Risk of Heart Failure