Medical History for Pneumonia
Medical History for PneumoniaSkip to the navigationTopic OverviewYour doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how many days you
have had them. If he or she thinks you may have
pneumonia, your doctor will want to know whether you
have: - A cough that brings up
mucus (productive cough). Your doctor may ask you to
cough up a sample of the mucus for testing. If your pneumonia is not caused by
bacteria or a virus, your coughing may not bring up mucus (a nonproductive or
dry cough).
- Any conditions or take any medicines that may weaken
your body's natural defense system (impaired immune system).
- Any signs of complications of pneumonia, such as
severe, stabbing chest wall pain, sudden change in breathing with severe
shortness of breath, joint pain, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, or increase in
fever.
- Another medical condition, such as
diabetes, kidney failure, chronic liver disease, or
heart failure.
- A lung (pulmonary) disease
such as
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or
asthma.
- Had a change in mental status
(such as confusion, loss of consciousness, or seizure) that may have allowed
you to breathe mucus or other material into your lungs (aspiration pneumonia).
Your doctor may also ask whether you have: - A history of
upper respiratory tract infections, such as a
cold.
- Been in contact with other people with lung infections or
other types of infections.
- Had a recent injury to the rib area such
as a bruise or broken rib (fracture).
- Traveled recently
(especially outside of the United States).
- Ever used or currently
use alcohol or illegal drugs.
- Ever smoked or currently smoke
cigarettes.
CreditsByHealthwise Staff Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Specialist Medical ReviewerR. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine, Medical Toxicology Current as ofMarch 25, 2017 Current as of:
March 25, 2017 Last modified on: 8 September 2017
|
|