Medical History for Pneumonia

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and how many days you have had them. If he or she thinks you may have Reference pneumonia Opens New Window, your doctor will want to know whether you have:

• A cough that brings up Reference mucus Opens New Window (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 (Reference impaired immune system Opens New Window).
• 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 Reference diabetes Opens New Window, kidney failure, chronic liver disease, or Reference heart failure Opens New Window.
• A lung (pulmonary) disease such as Reference chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Opens New Window or Reference asthma Opens New Window.
• 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 (Reference aspiration pneumonia Opens New Window).

Your doctor may also ask whether you have:

• A history of Reference upper respiratory tract infections Opens New Window, 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.

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