Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical assessment and diagnostic tests:
1. Clinical Evaluation: A thorough history and physical examination to identify potential causes. 2. Pulse Oximetry: Non-invasive measurement of oxygen saturation in the blood. 3. Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Analysis: Measures PaO2, PaCO2, and pH levels to assess respiratory function. 4. Imaging: Chest X-rays or CT scans to identify underlying conditions like pneumonia or lung injury.
