Pneumonia: Tests & Treatments at University of Colorado Hospital
Tests for Pneumonia
Chest X-ray – an X-ray of the chest area
Sputum culture – you are asked to cough deeply. The sputum you produce is tested to determine which organism is causing the pneumonia.
Blood tests – blood is drawn, and then the number of white blood cells and amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide is measured.
Computed tomography (CT scan) – a picture is taken of your chest area.
Pleural fluid culture – A needle is used to obtain a small amount of fluid from the chesty cavity. The fluid is then tested for infection-causing organisms.
Treatments for Pneumonia
Antibiotics – if bacteria are the cause, then antibiotics are used to treat the pneumonia.
Antiviral medications – if the pneumonia is viral, then antiviral medications might be used to treat it.
Hospitalization – in severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. While in the hospital, you might receive:
- Intravenous antibiotics
- Oxygen therapy to increase oxygen levels
- Respiratory treatments to remove secretions