Pneumonia

Diagnosis

Your doctor will begin by reviewing your medical history and performing a physical exam, including listening to your lungs with a stethoscope for abnormal bubbling or crackling sounds that suggest pneumonia.

Additional tests that may be recommended include:

• Blood tests. Used to confirm infection and attempt to identify the type of organism causing it, though precise identification is not always possible.
• Chest X-ray. Helps diagnose pneumonia and shows the extent and location of infection, but cannot determine the exact germ causing it.
• Pulse oximetry. Measures the oxygen level in your blood, as pneumonia can reduce oxygen absorption.
• Sputum test. A sample of fluid from your lungs is collected after a deep cough to help identify the cause of infection.

Further tests may be ordered if you are older than 65, hospitalized, or have serious symptoms or health conditions:

• CT scan. Provides a detailed image of the lungs if pneumonia is not resolving as expected.
• Pleural fluid culture. Fluid is collected from the pleural space with a needle to determine the type of infection.

Treatment

Pneumonia treatment focuses on curing the infection and preventing complications. Most people with community-acquired pneumonia can be treated at home, though fatigue may persist for a month or longer.

Treatment options include:

• Antibiotics. Used for bacterial pneumonia. Your doctor may adjust the antibiotic if symptoms do not improve.
• Cough medicine. May be used to relieve discomfort and allow rest. Coughing should not be completely suppressed as it helps clear fluid from the lungs.
• Fever reducers and pain relievers. Medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen may be used to manage fever and discomfort.

Hospitalization may be necessary if you meet any of the following conditions:

• Age over 65
• Confusion about time, people, or places
• Declining kidney function
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid breathing (30 breaths per minute or more)
• Need for breathing assistance
• Abnormally low body temperature
• Heart rate below 50 or above 100

Children may require hospitalization if:

• Younger than 2 months
• Lethargic or excessively sleepy
• Difficulty breathing
• Low blood oxygen levels
• Signs of dehydration