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

    Planning Safe Summer Camp Fun for Kids With Allergies & Asthma

    Your Allergy Meds Come With Hazards: Be Aware

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

    FDA Warns Top National Bakery to Stop Listing Allergens in Products When They Aren't There

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

    Athletes Can Expect High Ozone, Pollen Counts for Paris Olympics

    Fast, Easy Nasal Swab Helps Diagnose Asthma Type in Kids

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

    Helene's Aftermath: How to Safely Enter, Clean Flood-Damaged Homes

    Polluting Puff: Asthma Inhalers Are Big Contributors to Climate Change

    Texan Has Contracted H5N1 Bird Flu; CDC Calls Threat to Public 'Low'

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

    Is It a Cold, Flu or COVID? An Expert Helps You Sort It Out

    Universal Flu Vaccine Blocks Infection in Mice

    U.S. Government to Pay Moderna $176 Million to Develop mRNA Flu Vaccine