Your doctor will ask about your symptoms.If symptoms suggest
pneumonia, your doctor will ask about your medical history,
travel history, and other related exposures. This information
may suggest what caused your pneumonia. A physical exam usually
includes tapping on your chest and back. This may identify the
presence of fluid or air trapped in your lungs. The doctor will
also listen carefully to your chest and back with a stethoscope.
Your doctor may choose to order a variety of tests, such as:
Blood Tests —Complete blood count including the number and types
of white blood cells may help determine whether you have a
viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. Blood Culture —This
involves sending a blood sample to a laboratory where it can be
processed to see if any organisms are growing. If there are
organisms, they can often be identified, and tests can be run to
determine what types of antibiotics can best eliminate them.
Urine Antigen Tests —This involves giving a urine sample to look
for certain bacteria that