How to diagnose pneumonia

Written by Yang Feng
Pulmonology
Updated on May 05, 2025
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Pneumonia is a common infectious disease of the respiratory system. Its main diagnostic methods include routine blood tests, C-reactive protein, and pulmonary imaging, among which pulmonary imaging is the gold standard for diagnosing pneumonia. Diagnosis can also be initially inferred from the patient's clinical presentation and medical history to determine the likelihood of a pneumonia infection. Once pneumonia is confirmed, there is no need for excessive worry. Active medication to control the infection can cure pneumonia. Therefore, anti-inflammatory treatment should continue once pneumonia is diagnosed.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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Pediatric pneumonia nursing measures

The nursing measures for children's pneumonia include ensuring indoor air circulation, maintaining a temperature between 18 to 24 degrees Celsius, and keeping humidity at 60%. Nutritionally rich diets should be provided. For severely ill children who have difficulty eating, parenteral nutrition can be given. Nursing care should include regular changes in position to reduce lung congestion, frequent back patting to help absorb inflammation and expel phlegm, isolation to prevent cross-infection, and attention to the replenishment and correction of water and electrolytes. Electrolyte imbalance should be addressed, and proper fluid supplementation can also help in opening the airways, but it is important to ensure that the infusion rate is not too fast as it may increase the burden on the heart.

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symptoms of pneumonia in children

Pneumonia in small children commonly occurs in infants and toddlers under two years old, often starting abruptly. It usually begins with symptoms of an upper respiratory infection several days before onset. The main clinical symptoms are as follows: First, there is fever, which can be irregular, remittent, or persistent; in newborns or severely malnourished children, the body temperature may not rise or may be below normal. Second, there is coughing, which is generally frequent; initially, it is a dry, irritating cough, but during the peak of the illness, the cough may subside, returning with phlegm during the recovery period. Third, shortness of breath arises, typically after fever and coughing; sometimes it is accompanied by general symptoms such as listlessness, reduced appetite, restlessness, mild diarrhea, or vomiting.

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Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
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The difference between interstitial pneumonia and pneumonia

Interstitial pneumonia, also known as diffuse pulmonary interstitial fibrosis, mainly refers to a disease characterized by the replacement of the lung interstitium with some invisible fibrous tissues, leading to lung atrophy and difficulty breathing as the main manifestations. The pathological site of pneumonia is mainly in the alveoli and lung parenchyma, and patients mainly show symptoms such as coughing, expectoration, and fever, generally not experiencing difficulty breathing. Additionally, interstitial pneumonia and pneumonia have typical and distinct changes in imaging. Through imaging, it is basically possible to differentiate almost completely between interstitial pneumonia and pneumonia without the need for any special techniques.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Pneumonia symptoms in children

Children presenting with pneumonia primarily exhibit symptoms related to respiratory infections, with fever often as a typical manifestation. Common symptoms include sudden chills, high fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, and vomiting, followed by an irritative dry cough. As the condition progresses, the dry cough turns into a productive cough with phlegm, accompanied by difficulty breathing, chest pain, and expectoration. Some may also show signs of oxygen deprivation such as cyanosis of the lips and changes in nail color. Active chest X-ray and routine blood tests are necessary for diagnosis.

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Written by Yang Feng
Pulmonology
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Adult pneumonia symptoms

The main clinical symptoms of pneumonia include cough, expectoration, asthma, chest pain, chills, high fever, etc. If the pneumonia patient has some complications from other systems, symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dizziness may also occur. Once pneumonia is diagnosed, active antimicrobial treatment is necessary, and pneumonia can be cured. Additionally, for patients with low immunity or those who frequently suffer from respiratory diseases, annual influenza and pneumonia vaccinations can be administered for preventive measures.