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Can An X-ray Detect Viral Pneumonia?

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Posted on Wed, 6 Jul 2016
Twitter Wed, 6 Jul 2016 Answered on
Twitter Sat, 23 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on
Question : Hello I had a bad cough, Had chest xray, showed a touch of pneumonia, went on antibiotics, slight improvement, now no cough, no fever, just a little tired, could the pneumonia be viral, could xray, detect
viral vs bacteria, without cluture.

YYYY@YYYY
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
sometimes

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.
Sometimes, xrays may show difference between bacterial and vital pneumonia but sometimes not. This can be both, or even combined. However, bacterial one goes with productive cough, high grade fever, chills and worse well being compared to viral one. For exact diagnosis, more invasive tests should be done but i dont think this is required if there is improvement. Wish you good health. Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich

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Practicing since :2008

Answered : 13886 Questions

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Can An X-ray Detect Viral Pneumonia?

Brief Answer: sometimes Detailed Answer: Hi and welcome. Sometimes, xrays may show difference between bacterial and vital pneumonia but sometimes not. This can be both, or even combined. However, bacterial one goes with productive cough, high grade fever, chills and worse well being compared to viral one. For exact diagnosis, more invasive tests should be done but i dont think this is required if there is improvement. Wish you good health. Regards