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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.
The discovery of x-rays made it possible to determine the anatomic type of pneumonia without direct examination of the lungs at autopsy and led to the development of a radiological classification. Early investigators distinguished between typical lobar pneumonia and atypical (e.g. Chlamydophila ) or viral pneumonia using the location ...
[12] [14] Pneumonia is also the leading cause of death in children less than five years of age in low income countries. [14] The most common cause of pneumonia is pneumococcal bacteria, Streptococcus pneumoniae accounts for 2/3 of bacteremic pneumonias. [15] Invasive pneumococcal pneumonia has a mortality rate of around 20%. [13]
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.
Pneumonia as seen on chest X-ray. A: Normal chest X-ray. B: Abnormal chest X-ray with consolidation from pneumonia in the right lung, middle or inferior lobe (white area, left side of image). Specialty: Pulmonology
Pneumonia is usually caused by infection with viruses or bacteria, and less commonly by other microorganisms. [a] Identifying the responsible pathogen can be difficult. Diagnosis is often based on symptoms and physical examination. [8] Chest X-rays, blood tests, and culture of the sputum may help confirm the diagnosis. [8]
Acute interstitial pneumonitis (also known as acute interstitial pneumonia) is a rare, severe lung disease that usually affects otherwise healthy individuals. There is no known cause or cure. Acute interstitial pneumonitis is often categorized as both an interstitial lung disease and a form of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
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.