Can A Lung Test Diagnose Pneumonia?

At Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers, Dr. Avi Ishaaya uses lung tests to test the capacity, health, and function of a patient’s lungs. Based on an initial exam and a discussion about symptoms, our board-certified physician can suggest lung function tests that can help him confirm a lung diagnosis. Our radiology suite in Los Angeles, CA uses state-of-the-art equipment and has a certified radiologist on-site. Because of this, you will get your results back quickly, which allows us to start your treatment much faster and help you to achieve healthy lungs. We diagnose and treat a variety of lung conditions using a lung test, including asthma, bronchitis, COPD, or pneumonia.

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs in one or both lungs. These air sacs may fill with fluid or pus and cause a cough with phlegm, a fever, chills, and progressively difficulty breathing. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi all can cause pneumonia.

Signs of pneumonia

Symptoms of pneumonia can vary from mild to severe, depending on certain factors, such as the type of germ causing the infection, age, and overall health. Some symptoms of pneumonia may include:

• Chest pain when you breathe or cough

• Shortness of breath

• Confusion (in adults age 65 and older)

• Cough producing phlegm

• Fatigue

• Fever, sweating, and chills

• Lower than normal body temperature (in adults older than age 65 and those with weak immune systems)

• Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea

What is a lung function test?

Lung function tests evaluate how well the lungs are working. They can also diagnose lung disease or check how the treatment is working for an existing lung issue, including pneumonia. These noninvasive breathing tests are done in-house at our Los Angeles, CA office. These lung function tests may include:

1. Oxygen six-minute walk study

2. Methacholine challenge

3. Lung imaging, such as a CT scan, ultrasound, or X-ray

4. Exhale nitric oxide test

What does a lung function test involve?

At Dr. Avi Ishaaya Centers, we use lung tests to see how much air your lungs can hold, how quickly air moves in and out, and how well you can put oxygen into and remove carbon dioxide from your blood. During these lung tests, we can compare your lung function to others to see how well your lungs are working and compare your results to your previous ones (for those with an existing condition). Ultimately, we use these tests to diagnose a variety of lung disorders or lung disease.

Preparing for a lung test

To properly prepare for a lung function test in Los Angeles, CA, you should:

• Refrain from smoking at least one hour before your lung test (and entirely)

• Avoid alcohol at least four hours before a test

• Avoid strenuous exercise immediately before your test

• Wear loose and comfortable clothing

• Eat a light meal about two hours before as a heavy meal can affect your breathing

If you are on a medication that you think may affect your test results, Dr. Ishaaya can tell you if you should refrain from taking it before your lung test. If your lung test gives you a pneumonia diagnosis or other lung disorder, we can almost immediately begin treatment to improve your lung health.

Find out if you have pneumonia with a lung function test

At Dr. Avi Isshaya Centers, we offer lung testing to patients who are looking to determine if they have a common lung condition, disorder, or disease. Our staff is well-trained and certified in pulmonary medicine and pride themselves on helping patients resolve their lung conditions. To learn more about what Dr. Avi Ishaaya can do for your health, call our team in Los Angeles, CA to schedule an appointment to discuss having a lung test.