Blood tests to confirm the infection and to try to identify the germ that is causing your illness.If your doctor suspects you may have pneumonia, they will probably recommend some tests to confirm the diagnosis and learn more about your infection. If you have pneumonia, your lungs may make crackling, bubbling, and rumbling sounds when you inhale. Your doctor will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. Whether you have recently had another illness.Exposure to other sick people at home, work or school.To help figure out if your infection is caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi, you may be asked some questions about possible exposures, such as: Your doctor will ask you questions about your signs and symptoms, and how and when they began. To diagnose pneumonia, and to try to identify the germ that is causing the illness, your doctor will ask questions about your medical history, do a physical exam, and run some tests. Sometimes pneumonia can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are so variable, and are often very similar to those seen in a cold or influenza. For some of these vulnerable individuals, pneumonia can quickly become a life-threatening condition. It's especially important to get medical attention for pneumonia if you are in a high-risk group, including adults older than age 65, children age two or younger, people with an underlying health condition or weakened immune system. And see your doctor right away if you have difficulty breathing, develop a bluish color in your lips and fingertips, have chest pain, a high fever, or a cough with mucus that is severe or is getting worse. If you think you or your child has symptoms of pneumonia, don't wait for the disease to get even worse before you seek care. For individuals that already have a chronic lung disease, those symptoms may worsen. Older adults who have pneumonia sometimes have sudden changes in mental awareness. They may even have a lower than normal temperature. Older adults and people who have serious illnesses or weak immune systems may have fewer and milder symptoms. Or, they may vomit, have a fever and cough, or appear restless, sick, or tired and without energy. Newborns and infants may not show any signs of the infection. Symptoms may vary in certain populations. There may be a high fever and there may be blueness of the lips. Within a day or two, the symptoms typically get worse, with increasing cough, shortness of breath and muscle pain. Early symptoms are similar to influenza symptoms: fever, a dry cough, headache, muscle pain, and weakness. The symptoms of viral pneumonia usually develop over a period of several days. A patient's mental state may be confused or delirious. Lips and nailbeds may have a bluish color due to lack of oxygen in the blood. Fever may rise as high as a dangerous 105 degrees F, with profuse sweating and rapidly increased breathing and pulse rate. The symptoms of bacterial pneumonia can develop gradually or suddenly. Bacterial pneumonia, which is the most common form, tends to be more serious than other types of pneumonia, with symptoms that require medical care.
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