Knowing your pneumonia type guides treatment. Doctors determine this through several methods. First, they’ll take a detailed medical history, asking about symptoms like cough, fever, and shortness of breath, and reviewing your overall health.
Next, a physical exam includes listening to your lungs with a stethoscope to detect abnormal sounds. Chest X-rays are crucial for visualizing the infection’s location and extent, revealing whether it’s affecting one or both lungs, and showing the presence of fluid.
Blood tests help assess your overall health and detect infections. Sputum cultures (examining a sample of your phlegm) identify the bacteria or virus causing the pneumonia, which is critical for targeted antibiotic selection. This is especially helpful in differentiating bacterial pneumonia from viral pneumonia.
Bacterial pneumonia often presents with high fever, chills, and productive cough (coughing up phlegm). Viral pneumonia typically manifests with milder symptoms, like a dry cough and less severe fever. However, some cases can be severe. A rapid influenza diagnostic test can quickly identify influenza as the culprit.
Knowing the specific type–bacterial, viral, or other–allows doctors to tailor treatment accordingly, ensuring you receive the most appropriate care. Do not self-treat; always seek medical advice.
Advanced imaging, like CT scans, may be needed in complex cases to gain a clearer picture of the infection. This helps rule out other conditions and ensures accurate diagnosis. Discuss all testing and treatment options with your doctor.
