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PRIMARY CARE SERVICES

Diagnosis & Treatment

Pneumonia

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How is Pneumonia Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

To make a pneumonia diagnosis, a doctor will ask about the medical history and symptoms of the patient and if the patient has more severe symptoms and has other health problems, the doctor may order additional tests.

Tests to diagnose pneumonia may include:

  • Medical history and symptoms review
  • Physical exam
  • Chest X-ray will show the area of inflammation in the lungs
  • Blood tests check if a patient has a bacterial infection
  • Sputum test checks for bacteria in a sample of spit (sputum) or phlegm
  • Pleural fluid culture is done to find bacteria in a fluid sample that is taken from the pleural space around the lungs
  • Pulse oximetry test measures the blood oxygen level in the blood
  • Chest CT scan shows the area in the lungs with pneumonia and can help diagnose pneumonia complications including lung abscesses or pleural effusions
  • Bronchoscopy is used to look closely at the lungs

How can a primary care doctor help

A primary care doctor can often help address pneumonia symptoms and can discuss tests or treatments a patient may need. If further care is needed, the primary care doctor will refer the patient to a specialist.

How is Pneumonia Treated?

Treatments

Treatment for pneumonia depends on the type of pneumonia, how severe the symptoms are, and the age and general health of the patient. Recovery from pneumonia may take a while and will require a period of rest at home, even if no other treatment is needed. For some people, it can take a month or more. Pneumonia treatment options include:

  • Lifestyle and over-the-counter medications. For some people, the only treatment needed is resting at home and taking over-the-counter medication to reduce fever and cough. These include:
    • Rest until fatigue is improved.
    • Fever reducers include common over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin.
    • Plenty of liquids, especially water, to stay hydrated and warm liquids such as tea and herbal tea to help cough symptoms.
  • Medication for pneumonia depends on pneumonia, bacterial, viral, or fungal. Medication treatment includes:
    • Antibiotics are prescribed to treat bacterial pneumonia and some types of fungal pneumonia.
    • Antiviral medicine may be prescribed to treat viral pneumonia.
    • Antifungal medicines may be prescribed to treat other types of fungal pneumonia.
  • Hospitalization. Some patients may need to be treated in a hospital for severe symptoms. Patients with low blood oxygen levels may receive oxygen therapy at the hospital.
    • Patients who may need to be treated in a hospital include:
      • Adults older than 65 who have other health issues may be at risk for complications.
      • Infants younger than 2 months.

FAQs

FAQs

Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the air. It can start on its own or develop after someone had a viral cold or the flu.

Pneumonia is caused by an infection, most commonly bacteria and viruses, which are both contagious and pass on through the coughs and sneezes of one person to another person.

Someone with bacterial pneumonia, the most common type, may have a cough with mucus and may develop a fever that can be quite high, with sweating and shaking chills. People may experience fatigue, shortness of breath, and a sharp pain in the chest that gets worse when coughing.

People with the following symptoms should see a doctor for a pneumonia diagnosis: difficulty breathing, chest pain, fever of 102˚F (39˚C) or higher, or a persistent cough with yellow or green pus. People with symptoms that are in high-risk groups must see a doctor:

  • Adults older than age 65
  • Children younger than age 2
  • People with an underlying health condition, a weakened immune system, or are receiving chemotherapy

Recovering from pneumonia takes time. Some people recover in one to two weeks but for other people, it may take a month or longer to feel better and return to their normal activities.

Walking pneumonia is a term for mild pneumonia. People with walking pneumonia typically have mild symptoms and may feel like they have a cold or a mild flu but the recovery may take weeks.

Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for pneumonia treatment

At NewYork-Presbyterian, we are experienced in caring for a diverse population of patients. We offer services for adults, children, adolescents, and older patients of all backgrounds.

Same-day appointments can be made for urgent needs. Scheduling is easy, we offer early, late, and weekend hours, and we accept most insurance plans. Learn more about pneumonia symptoms and flu symptoms.

Contact us to make an appointment or Schedule a virtual visit.