Atypical pneumonia
Alternate Names : Walking pneumonia, Chlamydophila pneumoniae
Symptoms & Signs
- Chills
- Confusion (especially with Legionella pneumonia)
- Cough
- Diarrhea (especially with Legionella pneumonia)
- Fever
- General ill feeling
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle stiffness and aching
- Rapid breathing
- Rash (especially with mycoplasma pneumonia)
- Shortness of breath
Diagnosis & Tests
Persons with suspected pneumonia should have a complete medical evaluation, including a thorough physical exam and a chest x-ray -- especially since the physical exam may not always distinguish pneumonia from acute bronchitis or other respiratory infections. Depending on the severity of illness, additional studies may be done, include: - Complete blood count (CBC)
- Blood cultures
- Blood tests for antibodies to specific bacteria
- Bronchoscopy
- Open lung biopsy (only done in very serious illnesses when the diagnosis cannot be made from other sources)
- Sputum culture
Urine tests or a throat swab may also be done.
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