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: 12/5/2017 9:14:59 AM

    Related Articles

    Search Allergy Articles

    Let Babies Eat Eggs to Avoid Egg Allergy Later: Study

    Mom's Pre-Pregnancy Weight Could Affect Odds for Child's Asthma, Allergies

    New Insights Into Why Asthma Worsens at Night

    Kids With Food Allergies Are Often Targets for Bullies

    Rash, Itch After COVID Vaccine Rare & Quickly Resolves

    60% of Americans Will Delay or Skip Flu Shot This Year: Survey

    Flu Vaccine May Not Protect Against Main Flu Strain: Study

    Flu Vaccine No Match for Circulating Variants This Season

    CDC Study Shows Power of Flu Vaccine for Kids

    Pandemic Silver Lining: Fewer Dangerous Flare-Ups for COPD Patients