The evaluation of viral pneumonia begins with a history and physical exam.

Physical findings in someone with viral pneumonia may include:

• Signs of severe difficulty breathing:
• Rib retractions
• Nasal flaring
• Use of accessory muscles
• Cyanosis
• Lips or nailbeds turn blue
• Dry skin
• Dry mouth
• Decreased urination
• Fever
• Rapid pulse
• Rapid breathing
• Wet rales and rhonchi:
• Sounds in the chest during examination with a stethoscope
• Wheezing

Testing may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of viral pneumonia and determine the severity of the infection.

Tests that may be used to evaluate viral pneumonia include:

• Complete blood count
• C-reactive protein level:
• Can help to identify bacterial pneumonia
• Chest x-ray:
• Normal chest x-ray
• Chest x-ray showing pneumonia
• Pulse oximetry
• Blood cultures
• Sputum culture:
• For bacteria and viruses
• Rapid influenza testing
• Urine antigen testing for pneumococcus or Legionella

Less commonly used tests that may be used to evaluate viral pneumonia include:

• Bronchoscopy
• Using a flexible fiberoptic scope to look at the air passageways
• Used to obtain fluid or tissue, in order to test for the organism responsible for the infection
• Chest CT scan