How To Diagnose Pneumonia?

Posted on Sat, 28 Jan 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 28 Jan 2017 Answered on

Tue, 28 Feb 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : What is the most accurate way to diagnose pneumonia?
And is the body more susceptible to catching it, after the first incidence?
And can pneumonia patients also experience flu like symptoms simultaneously?
Should I be seeing a Pulmonologist?
I am experiencing my 6th bout of pneumonia in the past 3 years.
I am a non smoker & I get an annual flu shot & have had a pneumonia shot

Answered by Dr. Shashi Dangwal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Pneumonia diagnosis is a clinical one. You should see a pulmonologist

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

Thanks for posting your query on HCM.

Diagnosis of pneumonia is generally clinical ie it's based on the patient's symptoms and aided by a CBC and a chest x-ray. It's generally difficult to isolate or grow the exact pathogen. Treatment is with broad spectrum antibiotics to cover most of the pathogens.

After a bout of pneumonia patient may develop some immunity to that particular pathogen but recurrence can occur due to another pathogen.

Yes patient may simultaneously have flu like symptoms.

Yes you should see a pulmonologist for a complete check up since you have had frequent bouts of pneumonia in last 3 years and despite having taken both flu and pneumonia vaccine.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy