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

    Advice In Teen TikTok Beauty Videos Can Lead To Skin Damage

    Holiday Tips To Keep Allergies and Asthma Under Control

    Many Kids Unnecessarily Hospitalized Following Allergic Reactions

    Wildfire Smoke Alters Immune System, Study Says

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

    Ozone Pollution Increases Risk Of Childhood Asthma

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

    More Kids Without Asthma Inhaler After Popular Product Taken Off Market

    Digital Tool Potentially Predicts Childhood Asthma

    Radon Exposure Linked to Increased Asthma Symptoms in Children

    This Flu Season Is Worst In A Decade

    Second Flu Vaccine Meeting Canceled -- What Happens Next?

    Americans Still Consider COVID Major Public Health Threat

    How To Fight Common Wintertime Respiratory Viruses

    Has RSV Vaccine Hesitancy Subsided?