Low-dose CT chest scans could help detect pneumonia in at-risk patients while exposing them to only small amounts of radiation, a new study has found. The research, published in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging, shows that ultra-low-dose scans can effectively detect pneumonia in patients with compromised immune systems, enabling doctors to treat the infection before it becomes life-threatening. According to the researchers, these scans expose patients to just 2% of the radiation dose used in a standard CT scan.

"This study paves the way for safer, AI-driven imaging that reduces radiation exposure while preserving diagnostic accuracy,” lead researcher Dr Maximiliano Klug, a radiologist with the Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, Israel, said in a news release. He added that CT scans are the gold standard for detecting pneumonia but there are concerns regarding the risk posed by repeated exposure to radiation. There is a solution- ultra-low-dose CT scan. However, the problem is that these scans can be grainy and hard to read, researchers said.

Study Gives Solution To This

To overcome that, Klug's team developed an AI program that could help "de-noise" low-dose scans, making them sharper and easier to read. Between September 2020 and December 2022, 54 patients with compromised immune systems who had fevers underwent a pair of chest CT scans -- a normal dose scan and an ultra-low-dose scan. The AI program cleaned up the low-dose scan, and then both sets of images were given to a pair of radiologists for assessment. Radiologists had 100% accuracy in detecting pneumonia and other lung problems with the AI-cleaned low-dose scans, but 91% to 98% accuracy in examining the scans that hadn’t been improved through AI, results show.

"This pilot study identified infection with a fraction of the radiation dose," Klug said. "This approach could drive larger studies and ultimately reshape clinical guidelines, making denoised ultra-low dose CT the new standard for young immunocompromised patients.

How Can You Detect Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes the air sacs in the lungs to fill with fluid or pus and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The symptoms can range from milk to severe, which includes:

Coughing with or without cough

Fever

Chills

Trouble breathing

Chest pain, especially when breathing deeply or coughing

Sweating or chills

Rapid heart rate

Loss of appetite

Bluish skin, lips, and nails

Confusion.

How to detect Pneumonia in coughing newborns and toddlers?

Pneumonia can severely affect newborns and young children as their lungs are comparatively more sensitive. As per Dr Goyal, young children can cough for various reasons including seasonal infections and tonsillitis, which is very common in this age group. But if they look visibly irritable and have poor sleep patterns, then parents must reach out to an expert. "I am not saying that parents must visit a hospital but any local paediatrician would be able to detect pneumonia in your kid.

Sri Lanka is facing a meningitis outbreak, and according to the Health Promotion Bureau of Sri Lanka, 200 people have been infected by this virus. As of now, about 50 people are getting treatment at the hospitals across four districts.

The disease was first found among a group of school goers in the Deniyaya area before spreading to other areas, including Diyatalawa, Welimada, and Rikillagaskada. The health authorities of the island nation have already issued special guidelines to stop the spread of the disease.

The authorities there said the disease mainly spreads through contaminated food and water, and it can also be transmitted through droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, as well as through close contact. The citizens were also asked to drink boiled water and avoid crowded places.

The Health Ministry of Sri Lanka has appointed a special team consisting of virologists and epidemiologists to conduct observations on the viral meningitis condition reported from the Central and Southern provinces and to identify its viral transmission pattern.

“Though the cases show signs of meningitis, they have rarely progressed to encephalitis, a potentially life‑threatening inflammation of brain tissue, as the virus itself is self-limiting, allowing the immune system to overcome the ailment,” the deputy minister, Dr. Wijeyamuni, said.

What Is Meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes around the spinal cord and the brain. It can become very serious if not treated or diagnosed in time. It is a consequence of bacterial or viral infection. Despite being a rare occurrence, the infection can spread through coughs, sneezes, a cold, or physical contact in the form of kissing.

Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options is important for early diagnosis and timely medical care.

Also Read: Does Meningitis Always Cause Fever?

Symptoms Of Meningitis

Health officials urged the public to remain alert to the warning signs of meningococcal meningitis. Common symptoms include:

• Rash
• Headache
• Neck stiffness
• Fever
• Drowsiness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Increased sensitivity to light

How is Meningitis Diagnosed?

Physicians diagnose meningitis using a combination of clinical presentation, laboratory examinations, and imaging tests. Important diagnostic tests are Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap), Blood Cultures, and Imaging (CT or MRI Scans).

US President Donald Trump has declared himself to be in good health after undertaking the third annual medical check-up in his second term as the oldest American President.

Trump, who turns 80 next month, saw his doctors at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for a routine health check up on May 26.

“Everything checked out PERFECTLY,” Trump wrote on social media. He has, however, offered no details about what doctors observed.

The White House hasn't so far released details from Trump’s health check up to support his claim, or clarify what tests the president had undergone as part of the clinical exam.

As per an earlier statement from the White House, the visit involved “routine annual dental and medical assessments as part of his regular preventive health care,” but did not offer additional details on the medical exam.

His previous annual check-up was in April 2025. In October, he underwent another check-up.

“You have five doctors sitting there and … the questions are very easy at the beginning, then pretty easy, then pretty hard by the time you get to the end, there are not a lot of people in the room who can get them, believe me,” Trump informed the crowd at a rally in New York state last week about the impending test, The Times reported.

“So the first question was, you have a bear, a snake, an elephant, and a horse. Name the horse. That’s the horse. The second question is a little tougher,” he said.

“Toward the end, they had a question like, pick a number, sir, any number. OK. 203. Multiply times nine, divided by two, add 1324, subtract 1292. Sir, multiply it out one more time by 19. What is the answer, sir? I got it right … and the one doctor said, I’ve been doing this test for 20 years, I’ve never seen anybody ace it. … So I’ve taken it, and I’ve aced it all three times, I’ll tell you, because it is a positive thing.”

Trump In ‘Excellent Health’

Also read: ‘Sea Or See?’ Donald Trump's Remark Sparks Fresh Cognitive Health Speculation

The president’s health has been the subject of intense scrutiny — ranging from his mental state to visible bruising around his hands.

Trump — who has frequently criticized former President Joe Biden over age-related health and fitness issues — has recently remarked on how good he feels despite his age.

Trump said he feels the same as he did 50 years ago. “I feel literally the same,” he said at an Oval Office event. “I don’t know why. It’s not because I eat the best foods,” AP reported.

Read More: Russia's New Ebola Vaccine To Protect Against Rare Bundibugyo Strain, Says Health Minister

He also joked about his exercise regimen, saying that he works out “like about one minute a day, max.”

According to a White House summary of his previous annual medical examination in April last year, Trump was found to be in “excellent cognitive and physical health”.

“A comprehensive neurological examination revealed no abnormalities in his mental status, cranial nerves, motor and sensory functions, reflexes, gait, and balance. Cognitive function, assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), was normal with a score of 30 out of 30,” his White House physician, Captain Sean Barbabella, wrote.

There were tests for depression and anxiety, and Trump recorded a score “within the normal range for both,” although numbers were not given.

Scans in October also demonstrated that Trump is in “excellent overall health”.

Amid the rising heatwave conditions in India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed his concerns and advised the citizens to stay hydrated.

In a post shared on the social media platform X, PM Modi asked people to take precautions as well as help fellow citizens by offering drinking water.

"Temperatures are continuously rising in different parts of the country, and along with this, the many difficulties caused by the heat in daily life are also increasing. I urge all my fellow citizens to take as many precautions as possible. Please keep yourselves hydrated and carry water with you when stepping out of your homes,” the Prime Minister said.

“In such weather, your sensitivity also becomes a great source of support. If possible, do offer a glass of water to anyone who is thirsty. I also appreciate those people who keep water in pitchers outside their homes and shops so that anyone can drink from them,” he added.

Temperatures Are Rising Throughout The Nation

The post comes as the temperature is increasing throughout the country.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature is expected to reach around 45°C on Wednesday, while the minimum may stay close to 28°C.

This extreme heat has become a serious public health challenge, as it affects everything from hydration levels in the body to digestion, the health of your skin, heart, and even mental well-being.

The department has issued a clear warning for a “heatwave.” Strong surface winds are also expected during the afternoon and evening. Humidity levels on May 27 are forecast to vary between 40 per cent at the highest and 25 per cent at the lowest.

Authorities have cautioned that the heatwave may be accompanied by strong, hot winds later in the day. People are advised to stay indoors during peak afternoon hours, remain hydrated, and take necessary measures to avoid direct exposure to sunlight.

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. L.K Jha, Associate Director & Head Unit-II– Cardiology, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, said how extreme heat levels can increase heart conditions such as palpitations.

“Dehydration contributes to palpitations associated with heatwaves significantly due to excessive sweating, fluid loss, and critical electrolyte loss, which all play key roles in maintaining normal heart rhythm and health of the cardiovascular system. Dehydration causes decreases in blood pressure, forcing the heart to increase its rate during periods of heat exposure if an individual is dehydrated”.

Read Also: Heatwave Hacks: A Complete Survival Plan for Extreme Indian Summer

How To Stay Fit During a Heat Wave?

• Drink water consistently at regular intervals instead of gulping large quantities at once. Electrolyte-rich fluids like coconut water, lemon water with a pinch of salt, or buttermilk are healthy, affordable options to soothe parched throats.

• Add items like curd, rice, cucumber, and bottle gourd to your diet and avoid red meat and fried foods during peak summer days.

• Extreme temperatures put additional stress on the cardiovascular system, especially in people with hypertension, diabetes, or heart conditions. Make sure to take all prescribed medications exactly as advised—don’t skip doses even if you experience heat-induced nausea. If you feel dizzy or experience palpitations or severe fatigue, consult your doctor as soon as possible.

• Air conditioning is helpful, but overexposure can lead to dry skin, headaches, and respiratory discomfort. Once every two or three hours, step away from your desk for a few minutes. Walk or stand, and sip some water.