Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
How so docs know if pneumonia is bacterial or viral without a blood test? and why give antibiotics if it's viral?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
The Art of Medicine: There are so many different variables in this decision making process that it is hard to describe easily in this type of forum. The presentation of the patient is vital, the vital signs, the breath sounds, the length and severity of symptoms and the season of the year all play a role in this decision.
Answered 7/9/2014
3.9k views
Thank
Related Questions
A member asked:
Have low grade fever since 2 weeks now. Took blood test and doc says its viral.gave no medicines.im tired and my food intake has reduced.any home rem?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Saw doc re white spot on left tonsil. CBC blood tests normal. Throat swab was bacteria. Just seen for first time small pink lump under left tonsil ???
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Did xray blood test n doc listened to breathing. Gaveme anti biotics. Finishing tmr but I still have green phlegm n shortness of breath but 50% better?
8 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
Thru listening to my breathing, blood test n x ray. Doc.Says I dun have bronchitis. Diagnosed with chest infection n gave me anti biotics.Sounds true?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
People also searched for:
Had an agressive viral pneumonia 5 weeks back, no fever since 2 weeks, still coughing, have a sore throat and one lymph node swelled at the neck. 2 days ago took blood test no bacteria and lung X-ray clean. Should I do more tests or just let it pass?
My child had viral or bacterial infection.had blood test and LFT. In LFT all were normal except ALT which was 34 U/L Normal range 0-33U/L. Is this ok?
How to tell if bronchitis is viral or bacterial just by a blood test?
On my blood test for bacteria it says +. It has escherichia coli under test name. What does this mean?under antibiotic name it has ampicillin. R. Meaning? It also has ceftriaxone. S. What does S mean?
Dr said viral meningitis poss diagnosis.I asked to have blood counts instead of spinal tap. Now I have rash but Blood test normal.Can it be bacterial?
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HIPAASecure
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHOAccredited
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
