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

    Wildfire Smoke Is Choking America's Cities -- Is Yours on the List?

    Watchdog Group Says U.S. Food Recalls Rose Again Last Year

    Allergies Have You Stuffed Up? Nose Fungi May Be to Blame

    Know Your Spring Allergens and the Meds That Can Help

    Dangerous Allergies? An Expert Gives Tips to Protect Yourself

    Race-Neutral Formulas Improve Asthma Detection in Black Children

    “Chameleon” Immune Cells Linked To Severe Asthma

    Asthma Could Raise Miscarriage, Infertility Risks for Women: Study

    Vaping Linked to Earlier Onset of Asthma

    1 in 3 Children Now Suffer From Chronic Illness

    Most Americans Won't Get Vaccinated as Flu, COVID Season Looms: Survey

    Moderna Announces Good Results From Trial of Combo COVID/Flu Vaccine

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

    Scientists Developing mRNA-Based Vaccine Against H5N1 Bird Flu

    Universal Flu Vaccine Blocks Infection in Mice