Pneumonia Diagnosis

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This information was reviewed and approved by Wendi Drummond, DO (8/1/2017).

How is Pneumonia Diagnosed?

To diagnose pneumonia, the health care provider begins with a thorough medical history and physical exam. The health care provider may order tests to help diagnose pneumonia. Chest X-rays can often be used find out if a person has pneumonia. A CT scan may also be ordered. Blood and urine tests and sputum tests are very helpful to find out the cause of pneumonia. A biopsy (taking a lung tissue sample) may be done in severe or more stubborn cases.

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