Pneumonia differential diagnosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Pneumonia Microchapters
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Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Pneumonia from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Criteria
Diagnostic Algorithm
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Overview

• Acute bronchitis - No infiltrates on the CXR.
• Sinusitis - Sinus tenderness, post nasl drip.
• Asthma- No infiltrates on chest Xray.
• COPD - No infiltrates on chest Xray.
• Empyema - CXR showing features of pleural effusion, inflammatory markers on thoracocentesis.
• Pertussis - productive cough for weeks, nasopharyngeal aspirate aids in diagnosis.
• Lung abscess - CXR showing signs of lung abscess.
• Pulmonary embolus - A high degree of suspicion should be kept for pulmonary embolus. Chest X ray may be normal.
• Malignancy - CT scan and biopsy are helpful in ruling out malignancy.
• Vasculitis - Systemic manifestations of collagen vascular disease may be seen.
• Bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia should be suspected in patients who don't respond to antibiotics treatment.
• Congestive heart failure - Bilateral pulmonary edema, involving more the lower lung fields.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease - Normal chest Xray, symptoms worsening during night.
• Endocarditis with septic pulmonary emboli
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Influenza