Which tests are conducted when there is suspicion of pneumonia?
July 4, 2023 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Yvonne König
Dear Doctor,
My name is Benjamin Pasche and I am contacting you as I have been experiencing severe coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing for the past few days. I feel very weak and tired overall and am concerned that it may be pneumonia.
I have been taking pain medication to reduce the fever and have been trying to drink plenty of fluids and rest. Unfortunately, my condition has not improved so far, so I would like to know what tests should be carried out if pneumonia is suspected.
I would like to know if a chest X-ray is necessary to accurately diagnose pneumonia. Are there any other tests that should be done to determine the cause of my symptoms? I am worried that my symptoms may indicate a serious illness and want to ensure that I receive the best possible treatment.
Thank you in advance for your support and advice. Please provide me with a clear recommendation on which tests would be appropriate in my case to identify the cause of my symptoms.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Pasche
Dear Benjamin Pasche,
Thank you for your message and for trusting in my expertise. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from severe coughing, fever, and breathing difficulties. These symptoms could indeed indicate pneumonia, so it is important that you seek medical help.
When pneumonia is suspected, various tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis and determine the cause of your symptoms. A chest X-ray is usually the most important test to detect signs of pneumonia. The X-ray can show typical changes such as infiltrates or shadows in the lungs, indicating inflammation.
In addition to the X-ray, a blood test may also be performed to determine inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) or white blood cell count. These values can provide clues to an infection and aid in diagnosis.
In some cases, a sputum test may be necessary to examine a sample of sputum for bacteria or viruses. This can help in selecting the appropriate antibiotic or antiviral medication if a bacterial or viral infection is present.
Further tests such as lung function testing or a CT scan of the lungs may be required to assess the severity of the illness and rule out any complications.
It is important that you see a doctor promptly to undergo the necessary tests and receive the best possible treatment. Pneumonia can have serious consequences, especially if not treated in a timely manner.
I wish you all the best and a speedy recovery. If you have any further questions or need assistance, I am here to help.
Best regards,
Yvonne König
