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Pneumonia: Difference between revisions

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There are rapid antigen tests of urine for detection of S. pneumoniae and legionella, which can be used for more complicated cases. This is usually not necessary in a typical case of CAP. Atypical bacteria can’t be cultured but the specific pathogen can be determined by serology or PCR.
There are rapid antigen tests of urine for detection of S. pneumoniae and legionella, which can be used for more complicated cases. This is usually not necessary in a typical case of CAP. Atypical bacteria can’t be cultured but the specific pathogen can be determined by serology or PCR.


=== Imaging of pneumonia ===
=== Imaging ===
The gold standard for diagnosis is the presence of a new opacity on [[chest x-ray]] in the setting of typical clinical features. The opacity is caused by the consolidation of the tissue, caused by presence of exudate in the alveoli. Chest x-ray is negative in the first 24 – 48 hours. The sensitivity of chest x-ray for pneumonia is low, and so a negative x-ray does not rule it out, especially in the early phases.The chest x-ray findings usually persist for weeks even after symptoms have cleared, so they’re usually not used for follow-up for pneumonia. CT may also visualise pneumonia but is unnecessary for uncomplicated cases.
The gold standard for diagnosis is the presence of a new opacity on [[chest x-ray]] in the setting of typical clinical features. The opacity is caused by the consolidation of the tissue, caused by presence of exudate in the alveoli. Chest x-ray is negative in the first 24 – 48 hours. The sensitivity of chest x-ray for pneumonia is low, and so a negative x-ray does not rule it out, especially in the early phases.The chest x-ray findings usually persist for weeks even after symptoms have cleared, so they’re usually not used for follow-up for pneumonia. CT may also visualise pneumonia but is unnecessary for uncomplicated cases.