How is pneumonia diagnosed?

Pneumonia can be: Diagnosed on many occasions simply via a thorough history, and physical examination. You can hear rales on examination of the lungs. On laboratory examinations the white count is often elevated. If there is a question the doctor may also order a chest xray.

History/exam/labs: Pneumonia is suspected when there are compatible symptoms this may include shortness of breath, fever, chills, cough productive of foul sputum. On exam there may be abnormal lung sounds, a chest xray may show shadows on the lung, a sample of the sputum may grow bacteria, and a blood test may show elevated white blood cells ( that fight infection). The doc puts together all the evidence to make dx.