Pneumonia is a challenging infection for patients. Some people simply feel ill, have a cough and fever. Others complain of fatigue, chest or back pain. Still others notice a heavy feeling in the chest or difficulty breathing. People may be confused by the doctor's remarks.
Pneumonia also presents challenges for family physicians.
In the office, it can be difficult to distinguish between bronchitis and pneumonia. Even culture of the sputum is often unable to pinpoint the cause of pneumonia. Cultures may grow different bacteria and viruses. In half of cases the bacteria or virus can't be identified. This presents a dilemma for the doctor.