When such symptoms are present, it is best to see your doctor, who will check your vital signs, looking for faster breathing or change in heart rate, blood pressure or temperature. This is the best test to diagnose pneumonia, as abnormal shadowing will be seen in the vast majority of persons who have pneumonia. This is sometimes necessary in people who have other lung diseases, such as heart failure, cancer or emphysema, or who are critically ill and have had chest X-rays that may be difficult to interpret. X-rays can also reveal abnormal collections of fluid around the lung, called pleural effusions, or abscesses within the lung. These may indicate increased production of specific antibodies or pieces of the bacteria called antigens.
Early treatment is important to prevent serious complications or death.
Measurement of the amount of oxygen getting into the blood through the lungs should be done either by a non-invasive finger probe called oximetry or by direct blood measurement using arterial blood gases. Treatment of pneumonia begins with a decision as to the best place to administer therapy. More than nine out of ten patients can be treated at home, but sometimes hospitalization is necessary. Home treatment means a person can take oral medication, fluids, and food and has enough help at home. If a person is very short of breath or has low blood oxygen, then hospitalization is best.