More than 1.4 million people will visit an emergency room with pneumonia this year. Pneumonia, an infection of one or both lungs, ranges in seriousness. It may be a relatively mild illness or can be serious and life-threatening. Infants, young children, immune-compromised people, and older adults are most at risk.
You might mistake the symptoms of pneumonia for a severe cold or the flu. But don’t take it lightly. At St. Michael’s Elite Hospital in Sugar Land, Texas, we want you to know what to expect if you come in with symptoms of pneumonia. Here’s how we diagnose your condition.
Clinical assessment and evaluation
Diagnosis begins with a comprehensive assessment of your medical history and a discussion of your symptoms. The symptoms of pneumonia include:
- Cough, often one that produces phlegm
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fever and chills
- Fatigue
- Confusion in older adults
Then, we perform a thorough physical examination, including listening to lung sounds and assessing your vital signs. This physical evaluation tells us more about your respiratory health. Abnormal lung sounds, increased respiratory rate, and signs of distress are indicators of potential pneumonia.
Imaging tests
If your symptoms and physical exam indicate you may have pneumonia, we conduct imaging tests. These include:
Chest X-ray
A primary tool in pneumonia diagnosis is a chest X-ray. This imaging study allows us to see inside the lungs and identify areas of inflammation or infection. White spots or complications like fluid around the lungs indicate pneumonia.
CT scan
A computed tomography (CT) scan may be recommended for a more detailed view of the lungs. This advanced imaging technique provides additional information about the extent and nature of lung involvement. It also shows the airway in great detail. It can help us determine if pneumonia is related to a problem within the airway.
Laboratory tests
Blood tests help us diagnose pneumonia by assessing your overall health and identifying specific pathogens causing the infection. Elevated white blood cell count and inflammatory markers are common indicators of an ongoing infection.
We may also analyze a sample of your phlegm (sputum) to help identify the specific bacteria, viruses, or funguses causing pneumonia. This information means we can get you the most effective antibiotic or antifungal treatment.
Additional diagnostic tools
Measuring blood oxygen levels using a pulse oximeter provides insights into your respiratory function. Reduced oxygen saturation suggests compromised lung function — a common presentation of pneumonia.
We may perform a bronchoscopy in more complex cases or when other diagnostic methods are inconclusive. This involves inserting a thin, flexible tube into the airways to visually inspect your respiratory system and collect samples for laboratory analysis.
At St. Michael’s Elite Hospital, our dedicated health care team uses a comprehensive approach to swiftly and accurately diagnose pneumonia. We want you to get timely and targeted treatment. If you or a loved one has symptoms of pneumonia, contact St. Michael’s Elite Hospital or use this website to make an appointment.
If symptoms of pneumonia progress rapidly or you suspect complications, head to the emergency department immediately.
Ventilation and Intubation
