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Since pneumonitis manifests in all areas of the lungs, imaging such as chest x-rays and Computerized tomography (CT) scans are useful diagnostic tools. [3] While pneumonia is a localized infection, pneumonitis is widespread. [3] A spirometer may also be used to measure pulmonary function.
Typically, an area of white lung is seen on a standard X-ray. [5] Consolidated tissue is more radio-opaque than normally aerated lung parenchyma, so that it is clearly demonstrable in radiography and on CT scans. Consolidation is often a middle-to-late stage feature/complication in pulmonary infections.
Early investigators distinguished between typical lobar pneumonia and atypical (e.g. Chlamydophila) or viral pneumonia using the location, distribution, and appearance of the opacities they saw on chest x-rays. Certain x-ray findings can be used to help predict the course of illness, although it is not possible to clearly determine the ...
Pneumonia as seen on chest x-ray. A: Normal chest x-ray.B: Abnormal chest x-ray with shadowing from pneumonia in the right lung (left side of image).. Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) or nosocomial pneumonia refers to any pneumonia contracted by a patient in a hospital at least 48–72 hours after being admitted.
X-ray presentations of pneumonia may be classified as lobar pneumonia, bronchopneumonia, lobular pneumonia, and interstitial pneumonia. [75] Bacterial, community-acquired pneumonia classically show lung consolidation of one lung segmental lobe, which is known as lobar pneumonia. [42]
In some cases, chest CT can reveal pneumonia not seen on x-rays. However, congestive heart failure or other types of lung damage can mimic CAP on x-ray. [15] When signs of pneumonia are discovered during evaluation, chest X-rays and examination of the blood and sputum for infectious microorganisms may be done to support a diagnosis of CAP.
Since pneumonia can take a dangerous turn, it's important to know the earliest signs of it. Dr. Zweig says that, typically, pneumonia starts as a regular viral upper respiratory infection.
A routine chest X-ray is not always necessary for people who have symptoms of a lower respiratory tract infection. [4] Influenza affects both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. [citation needed] Antibiotics are the first line treatment for pneumonia; however, they are neither effective nor indicated for parasitic or viral infections. Acute ...