Legionnaire's Disease Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Fever (often high)
• Chills and muscle aches
• Dry cough
• Chest pain with coughing or breathing
• Loss of appetite
• Headache

Symptoms that develop if the infection becomes serious include:

• Shortness of breath
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Mental problems, confusion, or memory loss

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Tests may include:

• Blood tests—to look for high or rising antibodies to Legionella bacteria
• Sputum tests—mucus from deep inside your lungs is examined to identify the cause of the infection
• Kidney function tests—poor kidney function is often seen with Legionella infection
• Urine tests—to check for Legionella proteins in the urine
• Chest x-ray —to diagnose pneumonia or lung infection