Blood Test for Pneumonia

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia refers to an infection that can swell lung tissue and cause fluid or pus in the lungs. Unlike viral pneumonia, which goes away on its own, bacterial pneumonia requires medical intervention and can become serious. 

Not just one, pneumonia can affect both lungs, which is called bilateral or double pneumonia. 

Difference Between Viral Pneumonia and Bacterial Pneumonia 

Let's see below how both of them differ from each other, helping you decide if you need a blood test for pneumonia bacteria or viral bacteria. 

Bacterial Pneumonia	Viral Pneumonia
1. Bacterial pneumonia is more common and can become severe.	1. Viral pneumonia is less common and not dangerous.
2. It may require hospitalization.	2. Viral pneumonia can resolve on its own. In severe cases, they require medical intervention.
3. Bacterial pneumonia is usually treated with antibiotics.	3. It usually has flu-like symptoms. You can recover within 1-3 weeks without treatment.

What are the different types of pneumonia?

Different types of pneumonia are categorized based on pathogens (viruses, bacteria, or fungi). 

1. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)

This type of pneumonia occurs due to infection in a community setting. The CAP does not include hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, or doctors’ offices. Its main causes include: 

• Bacteria 
• Viruses
• Fungi (Molds)
• Protozoa

2. Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP)

This type of pneumonia occurs while you are at a hospital or healthcare facility. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), an antibiotic-resistant bacterium, can cause HAP. Compared to CAP, HAP can make you sicker, making the condition harder to treat. 

3. Healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP)

HCAP is most common in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, and is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.

4. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)

VAP develops when you need a separate breathing machine or respirator. This is to ease your breathing in a hospital. However, it can increase your risk for VAP. 

5. Aspiration Pneumonia 

This type of anemia occurs when you can’t cough up solid foods, liquids, spit, or vomit. Instead of going down to your lungs, they accumulate in the windpipe, causing pneumonia. 

What is the difference between pneumonia, the common cold, or the flu?

It can be very tricky to differentiate between pneumonia, the common cold, or the flu since they have common symptoms. However, each has distinct features for onset, severity, and symptoms. 

Pneumonia can prove fatal. Here are some signs when you may seek medical attention immediately, such as:

• Congestion or chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• A 102 degrees fever or higher
• Coughing up yellow-green mucus with blood

Who is most at risk of getting pneumonia?

High-risk Individuals include: 

• Those above 60 years, or children under the age of 2. 
• Those with an existing heart or lung condition. These may include cystic fibrosis, emphysema, asthma, or obstructive sleep apnea. 
• If someone has a neurological condition like dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. 
• Long-term care facility. 
• Smoke
• Pregnant moms
• Have a weakened immune system. 

Can anyone get pneumonia?

Yes. Pneumonia does not have favorites; therefore, anyone can get pneumonia. It is a common illness that affects many lives. The WHO reveals that India contributes to approx. 23% of the global burden of CAP and 36% of the regional burden. Astonishingly, every year, over 127, 000 Indian children under five years of age die due to pneumonia. 

Symptoms and Causes

What are the common signs of pneumonia?

The first warning signs of pneumonia depend on the cause and age. 

Symptoms of Bacterial Pneumonia

The symptoms of bacterial pneumonia develop gradually and may include:

1. High fever (up to 105 F or 40.55 C).
2. Cough with yellow, green, or bloody mucus.
3. Tiredness. 
4. Fast or difficulty breathing.
5. Rapid heart rate.
6. Sweating or chills.
7. Pain in the chest and/or abdomen, especially with coughing or deep breathing.
8. Loss of appetite.
9. Bluish skin
10. Confusion or altered mental state

Symptoms of Viral Pneumonia

Viral pneumonia symptoms include:

1. Dry cough
2. Headache
3. Muscle pain
4. Extreme weakness
5. Tiredness
6. Breathing sounds are not clear to the doctor. 
7. Shortness of breath due to overexertion 
8. Congestion 
9. Shaking chills
10. Fever

Symptoms of Pneumonia in Young Children

Signs of pneumonia in children: 

1. Fever 
2. Chills
3. Loss of energy 
4. Pale skin
5. Limpness
6. Crying more than usual 
7. Difficulty breathing
8. Restlessness 
9. Difficulty feeding 
10. Child peeing less

Symptoms of Pneumonia In Older Adults 

If you are an older adult of 65 years, and your immunity is weak, you may develop mild symptoms that are easily noticeable including:

1. Low appetite
2. Fatigue
3. Cough 
4. Shortness of breath
5. Changes in mental state/Confusion
6. Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
7. Pain in the chest when you cough
8. Fever
9. Sweating
10. Lower-than-normal body temperature

What causes pneumonia?

The development of pneumonia occurs when the immune system attacks an infection, making your lungs swollen and leaking fluids. 

Infections can result from bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Bacterial pneumonia occurs in adults and viral pneumonia occurs in children. Common illnesses that occur due to pneumonia: 

• Common cold (rhinovirus)
• COVID-19 
• Influenza virus
• Human metapneumovirus (HMPV)
• Human parainfluenza virus (HPIV)
• Legionnaires’ disease
• Mycoplasma pneumonia bacteria
• Pneumococcal disease.
• Pneumocystis pneumonia.
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Is Pneumonia Contagious?

Bacteria and viruses that cause pneumonia are contagious. Hence, we can say that pneumonia is contagious. 

Streptococcus pneumoniae causes pneumonia. You can develop the condition by touching infected surfaces or coughing and sneezing. 

Additionally, pneumonia caused by fungi is not contagious because, unlike bacteria and viruses, fungi cannot be spread from one person to another. 

Diagnosis and Tests 

What is the procedure to diagnose pneumonia?

Diagnosis of pneumonia is risk-free. Your healthcare professional will assess your health by asking you a few questions, including your health history. He will also conduct a physical exam and listen to your lungs through a stethoscope. 

Additionally, he may suggest additional testing, like imaging tests, pulse oximetry, and a blood test for pneumonia antibodies.

These tests are crucial to confirm the diagnosis. 

List of Tests That Are Done to Diagnose Pneumonia

Healthcare providers suggest the following tests for pneumonia to check how well your lungs are working. These include: 

• Imaging Tests: These include a chest X-ray, or CT scan to take pictures of your lungs and check for the signs of infection. 
• Blood Tests: A blood test for pneumonia bacteria, or pneumonia antibodies can help determine whether it is bacterial, viral, or fungi infection that is causing your pneumonia. 
• Sputum Test: Healthcare providers order a sputum test in which you are asked to cough and spit into a container. The lab experts will look for signs causing an infection in your body. 
• Pulse Oximetry helps measure the oxygen level of the blood. It is an easy, invasive, and painless method. 
• Pleural Fluid Culture (PFC): A fluid sample is taken around your lungs. This is to determine what is the cause of infection. 
• Arterial Blood Gas Test: A blood sample is taken from your wrist, groin, or arm. The level of oxygen helps determine how well your lungs are working. 
• Bronchoscopy: Experts use a bronchoscope to look inside your lungs. He may also take a tissue or fluid sample and get it tested in a lab. 

Note: A blood test for pneumonia results will confirm the presence of infection, type of infection, severity of illness, and antibiotic sensitivity. Repeat blood tests may be suggested to track response to treatment. 

How can you manage the symptoms of pneumonia?

You can take over-the-counter medicines and at-home treatments to help manage symptoms of pneumonia. These may include:

• Pain relievers
• Cough suppressants
• Breathing treatments and exercises
• Using a humidifier
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Take plenty of rest

What factors can decide how soon you will feel better after pneumonia treatment?

It thoroughly depends on your age, the cause of pneumonia, how serious your condition is, and/or whether you have other health conditions or complications. 

Note: Bacterial pneumonia symptoms often disappear within 1-2 days after you begin treatment, and are otherwise healthy. After a few days of treatment for viral pneumonia, you may feel better. However, coughing and exhaustion might persist for weeks. 

How long are you contagious if you have pneumonia?

It thoroughly depends on the length of time you're contagious with pneumonia. 

• If you have virus pneumonia, such as influenza or COVID-19, you are contagious for a few days before symptoms appear and remain so until your symptoms improve. 
• If you have bacterial pneumonia, you can be contagious until you've been on appropriate antibiotics for 24 to 48 hours. 
• On the other hand, fungal pneumonia results from inhaling fungal spores from the environment. So, it is generally not contagious. 

Prevention

How can you prevent pneumonia?

Getting yourself vaccinated against bacteria and viruses can help prevent pneumonia. 

Vaccines for pneumonia

Vaccines for pneumonia protect against infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. There are two main types of pneumococcal vaccines used for prevention: 

• Pneumococcal vaccines such as Pneumovax23 and Prevnar 13
• Vaccination against viruses such as COVID-19 and the flu.
• Childhood vaccinations

Additionally, everyday health living practices that can reduce your chances of getting affected include: 

• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after meals and after using the restroom. An alcohol-based sanitizer is also recommended in the absence of soap and water. 
• Keep your surroundings and home clean. 
• Sneeze into your tissue, elbow, or sleeve.
• Be more vigilant if you are asthmatic. 
• Eat a healthy diet
• Quit smoking
• Reduce your contact with cigarette smoke.

When should I see a doctor?

Call your doctor immediately, if you have:

• Shortness of breath
• Fever or cough with mucus
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Chest pain
• Confusion/Can’t think clearly 

Additional Common Questions

Can you be diagnosed with pneumonia without having a fever?

Yes. It is possible to get pneumonia without having a fever if:

• Your age is above 65 years or an infant and a newborn. 
• Your immune system is weak. 
• If you have a chronic health condition like diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease
• Additionally, atypical pneumonia is caused by organisms like Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Chlamydophila pneumoniae. 

Is there any different method to treat pneumonia in children?

No. The method of treating pneumonia in children is not different. Young children are at a higher risk of getting it due to a weak immune system. Therefore, they may get hospitalized too. 

A Note From Redcliffe Labs for blood test for pneumonia

Healthy India Ki Trusted Lab- Redcliffe Labs emphasises if you or your loved one is experiencing symptoms like high fever, cough with phlegm, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, it could be a sign of pneumonia. It is a serious lung infection and early detection and timely intervention are a must. 

To support your recovery, our comprehensive blood tests for pneumonia bacteria,and other tests can help detect signs of infection, inflammation, and overall immune response. 

We are India’s widest home collection network that offers expert testing to more than 70 lakhs residents with family-like care, attributed with honest pricing and 100% report accuracy guaranteed or money back. 

Don’t delay your health check. Call directly at 898 898 87 87 or download the Redcliffe Labs mobile app to book your pneumonia blood test today and breathe easy with Redcliffe Labs by your side.

Step-by-step information on booking a test online:

1. Visit the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com/.
2. Browse or search for the specific test you need. 
3. Add the test to the cart. 
4. Complete the payment process online.

Note: You will receive confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp.