Patients with symptoms of<unk>  require evaluation. Diagnosis of pneumonia is made clinically, rather than on the basis of a particular test. Evaluation begins with a physical examination by a health provider, which may reveal fever, an increased respiratory rate (tachypnea), low blood pressure (hypotension), a fast heart rate (tachycardia) and changes in the amount of oxygen in the blood. Palpating the chest as it expands and tapping the chest wall to identify dull, non-resonant areas can identify stiffness and fluid, signs of<unk> . Listening to the lungs with a stethoscope (auscultation) can also reveal signs associated with<unk> . A lack of normal breath sounds or the presence of crackles can indicate fluid consolidation. Increased vibration of the chest when speaking, known as tactile fremitus, and increased volume of whispered speech during auscultation can also indicate the presence of fluid. Several tests can identify the cause of<unk> . Blood cultures can isolate bacteria or fungi in the bloodstream. Sputum Gram staining and culture can also reveal the causative microorganism. In severe cases, bronchoscopy can collect fluid for culture. Special tests, such as urinalysis, can be performed if an uncommon microorganism is suspected. Chest X-rays and X-ray computed tomography (CT) can reveal areas of opacity (seen as white), indicating consolidation.<unk>  does not always appear on x-rays, sometimes because the disease is in its initial stages or involves a part of the lung not clearly visible on x-ray. In some cases, chest CT can reveal pneumonia not seen on x-rays. However, congestive heart failure or other types of lung damage can mimic<unk>  on x-ray. When signs of pneumonia are discovered during evaluation, chest X-rays and examination of the blood and sputum for infectious microorganisms may be done to support a diagnosis of<unk> . The diagnostic tools employed will depend on the severity of illness, local practices and concern about complications of the infection. All patients with<unk>  should have their blood oxygen monitored with pulse oximetry. In some cases, arterial blood gas analysis may be required to determine the amount of oxygen in the blood. A complete blood count (CBC) may reveal extra white blood cells, indicating infection.
Community-acquired pneumonia
Hospital-acquired pneumonia
Pneumococcal pneumonia
Bacterial pneumonia
Fungal pneumonia
Idiopathic pneumonia syndrome
Ventilator-associated pneumonia
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome