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Pneumonia Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms of pneumonia may include some or all of the following:

Bacterial PneumoniaViral PneumoniaAtypical Pneumonia
FeverFeverFever, often low-grade
Shaking chillsChillsChills
Cough that produces green, yellow, or rust-colored mucusDry coughCoughing; may be violent at times; produces white mucus
Chest painHeadachePossible nausea or vomiting
Profuse sweatingMuscle painWeakness
Bluish color of the nails or lips due to diminished oxygen in the bloodBluish color of the nails or lips due to diminished oxygen in the blood 
Confused mental stateWeakness 

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and listening to your chest. Tests may include:

  • Chest x-ray —a test that uses radiation to take pictures of structures inside the body, in this case the chest
  • CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the chest
  • Blood tests
  • Bronchoscopy —direct examination of airways
  • Sputum culture—testing mucus coughed up from deep in the lungs
  • Pulse oximetry—measures the amount of oxygen in the blood
  • Arterial blood gas—measures oxygen, carbon dioxide, and acid in the blood

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

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