Because pneumonia manifests itself in symptoms that mimic common upper respiratory diseases like the flu or cold, it can be hard to diagnose. The one thing that makes it distinct and more serious is that it endures much longer than these common upper respiratory diseases.
Pneumonia can be diagnosed based on the patient’s medical history, physical examination and results from specific diagnostic tests.
Medical History
The physician will need to know and study your medical history, the signs and symptoms of your condition and when these signs and symptoms began showing. In order to identify the pathogen causing the pneumonia, the doctor may question you about:
- Any pneumonia and flu shots you’ve had
- Whether you smoke or not
- The medications you are taking
- Other health issues you’ve had or presently have and if any of these conditions got worse lately
- Any exposure you’ve had to sick individuals at work, school or home
- Any exposure to certain animals
- Your hobbies
Physical Exam
Using a stethoscope your physician will listen to the sound of your lungs. If any rumbling, bubbling, crackling or wheezing sounds are heard in your lungs while you inhale, it might be a sign that you have pneumonia. Your doctor may need to have good ears since many of these sounds may be difficult to hear in some people.
Diagnostic Tests
The following diagnostic tests may be requested if the specialist suspects you have pneumonia:
- Chest X Ray – The x ray of the chest enables the specialist to see the structures of your blood vessels, lungs and heart in your chest. This test is the most effective way for pneumonia diagnosis. The only thing it’s incapable of doing is to identify the pathogen causing your pneumonia.
- Blood Tests – Samples of your blood are taken in your body and a complete blood count to know the number of white blood cells in your blood. The presence of a specific number of white blood cells is evidence of bacterial infection.
A blood culture test can also determine if the germs has reached your bloodstream. It can also help the doctor identify the type of germ causing your pneumonia.
Other Tests
Some extra tests may be necessary for older people, for people with other conditions or for those with serious symptoms.
- Sputum test – This test entails collecting a sample of your sputum taken after you have deeply coughed. This sputum will have the germ that is causing your pneumonia which the doctor can identify.
- Chest computed tomography scan – This is a test that takes shots of the structures in your chest especially your lungs. It produces more detailed graphics than x ray images.
- Pleural fluid culture – A sample of fluid in the pleural space is taken from your pleura which may contain pathogens that may cause pneumonia.
- Pulse oximetry – A sensor that is connected to your ear or finger is used to measure the oxygen amount in your blood. The reason why this test is used is to determine if pneumonia hinders the lungs from bringing in your bloodstream.
- Arterial blood gas test – This is a test that takes blood sample from your artery often located in the wrist and is used to also determine the amount of oxygen in your blood.
- Bronchoscopy – This is a test that allows your doctor to see inside the airways of your lungs. During the procedure the doctor inserts a small flexible tube that is attached to a small camera and light inside the lung airways enabling him to see the airways and to take pictures of the lungs. With bronchoscopy, the physician can see if the lung airways are blocked or if another thing is causing your pneumonia.