![]() A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. This imaging procedure uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce sharp, detailed horizontal, or axial, images (often called slices) of the body. The test is painless and the red light does not get hot.Ĭhest CT scan. When the machine is on, a small red light can be seen in the sensor. A small sensor is taped or clipped onto a finger. An oximeter is a small machine that measures the amount of oxygen in the blood. It’s often used to see if there’s an infection in the lungs. This test is done on the material that is coughed up from the lungs and into the mouth. Arterial blood gas testing checks the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream. This test may be used to see whether infection is present and if infection has spread to the bloodstream (blood cultures). This test takes pictures of internal tissues, bones, and organs, including the lungs.īlood tests. The following tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis:Ĭhest X-ray. Based on these factors, your healthcare provider may diagnose pneumonia simply on a thorough history and physical exam. How is pneumonia diagnosed?ĭiagnosis is usually made based on your recent health history (such as surgery, a cold, or travel exposures) and the extent of the illness. Mycoplasma pneumonia has somewhat different symptoms, which include a severe cough that may produce mucus. Shortness of breath that gets worse with activityĮarly symptoms of viral pneumonia are the same as those of bacterial pneumonia, which may be followed by: Sharp or stabbing chest pain that’s worse with deep breathing or coughing The symptoms of bacterial pneumonia include:Ĭonfused mental state or delirium, especially in older peopleĬough that produces green, yellow, or bloody mucus However, the following groups are at the highest risk: There are other less common pneumonias that may be caused by other infections including fungi.Īnyone can get pneumonia. It generally causes a mild, widespread pneumonia that affects all age groups. It is caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This type has somewhat different symptoms and physical signs and is referred to as atypical pneumonia. You may be more likely to get bacterial pneumonia if you have viral pneumonia. This type is caused by various viruses, including the flu (influenza), and is responsible for about one-third of all pneumonia cases. Bacterial pneumonia can affect all ages, but you are at greater risk if you abuse alcohol, smoke cigarettes, are debilitated, have recently had surgery, have a respiratory disease or viral infection, or have a weakened immune system. It usually occurs when the body is weakened in some way, such as by illness, poor nutrition, old age, or impaired immunity, and the bacteria are able to work their way into the lungs. The most common is Streptococcus pneumoniae. The main types of pneumonia are:īacterial pneumonia. ![]() There are more than 30 different causes of pneumonia, and they’re grouped by the cause. ![]() Lobar pneumonia affects one or more sections (lobes) of the lungs.īronchial pneumonia (also known as bronchopneumonia) affects patches throughout both lungs. It is a serious infection in which the air sacs fill with pus and other liquid. Pneumonia is an infection of one or both of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
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