history
Last reviewed 01/2018
Important historical information includes:
- haemoptysis
- fevers and chills
- pleuritic chest pain
- the use of antibiotics
- risk factors or prior illness that increase susceptibility to infection
- special epidemiological or travel considerations, e.g. contact with ill family members, pets or other animals
- previous pneumonia
An abrupt onset suggests a bacterial agent. The gradual development of cough and fever in the absence of pleuritic chest pain and respiratory distress suggests viral or mycoplasma pneumonia.