Pneumonia differential diagnosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.D. [2]

Pneumonia Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
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
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Chest X Ray
CT
Other Imaging Findings
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Pneumonia differential diagnosis On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Pneumonia differential diagnosis All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Pneumonia differential diagnosis
CDC onPneumonia differential diagnosis
Pneumonia differential diagnosis in the news
Blogs on Pneumonia differential diagnosis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Pneumonia
Risk calculators and risk factors for Pneumonia differential diagnosis

Overview

• Acute bronchitis - No infiltrates on the CXR.
• Asthma- No infiltrates on chest X Ray.
• 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 than the lower lung fields.
• COPD - No infiltrates on chest X Ray.
• Empyema - CXR showing features of pleural effusion, inflammatory markers on thoracocentesis.
• Endocarditis with septic pulmonary emboli
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease - Normal chest X Ray, symptoms worsening during night.
• Influenza
• Lung abscess - CXR showing signs of lung abscess.
• Malignancy - CT scan and biopsy are helpful in ruling out malignancy.
• Pertussis - Productive cough for weeks, nasopharyngeal aspirate aids in diagnosis.
• Pulmonary embolus - A high degree of suspicion should be kept for pulmonary embolus. Chest X Ray may be normal.
• Sinusitis - Sinus tenderness, post nasal drip.
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Vasculitis - Systemic manifestations of collagen vascular disease may be seen.