 [ Symptoms ] how is pneumonia diagnosed [ Disease ] pneumonia ranges from a mild condition treatable at home to a potentially fatal infection requiring hospitalization you must see your doctor to get appropriate treatment for a successful recovery your doctor may take the following steps to diagnose pneumonia listen to your chest for crackling noises and tap your chest to check for dull thuds indicating fluid filled lungs request x rays to confirm that you have pneumonia showing where air sacs in the lungs are filled with fluid and debris