To diagnose pneumonia, the health care provider begins with a thorough medical history and physical exam.
The health care provider may order several tests to help diagnose the pneumonia.
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Chest x-rays can often find out if a person has pneumonia.
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Blood tests and sputum tests are very helpful to find out the cause of pneumonia.
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A biopsy (taking a lung tissue sample via needle, tube, or surgery) may be done in more severe cases.
This information has been approved by Ann Mullen, RN, MS, AE-C (March 2005).
