Hi! It’s about time to share information with you about a condition that you may be unfamiliar with, and it’s about walking pneumonia. You may have heard this referred to as a “mild lung infection” that doesn’t make you feel too ill, but it’s crucial to learn what it truly is. By learning more about walking pneumonia, you could catch the signs and symptoms of this condition early on to get proper treatment and avoid feeling worse than you need to.
Pneumonia is, basically, a very common kind of disease. However, people of some age groups and in certain environments are more prone to this disease. Regarding this, it is very important to be aware of the symptoms and causes so that one might know at what particular stage help is needed. However, cases of the same walking pneumonia increase every two or three years during the fall and winter.
What is Walking Pneumonia?
So, what is walking pneumonia? It’s basically a lighter kind of pneumonia. The regular type of pneumonia can knock you out flat on your back, then kick you with a high fever and rampant cough. Meanwhile, this one, atypical pneumonia, is generally mild enough that you don’t even notice you are sick. This is also referred to as atypical pneumonia because the symptoms appear to be less often serious than the typical kind.
Now, to put it into perspective, common pneumonia is usually characterized by a much higher fever, often above 101°F or 38°C if not more, while productive cough means churning out a lot of mucus. However, walking pneumonia commonly presents a low-grade fever and usually results in a dry cough.
Also Read: Marburg Virus: Explanation of the virus, transmission, symptoms, causation, and prevention
Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia
You may wonder about the signs you can observe when dealing with walking pneumonia. Well, here goes a list of major symptoms:
- Sore Throat: It may feel scratchy or irritated.
- Dry Cough: Unlike other pneumonias, this one usually doesn’t produce mucus. So, what does a pneumonia cough sound like? It’s usually a dry, nagging cough that’s irritating.
- Mild Fever: Often less than 101°F (38°C).
- Fatigue: You may feel unusually tired.
- Other Associated Symptoms: Headaches and mild chills may also occur.
You could naturally be interested in knowing the symptoms of walking pneumonia in adults. In adults, the fatigue may be more significant, and at times, shortness of breath may occur.
Over time, these symptoms can build up and leave you feeling as though you have a bad cold or even the flu. If you experience these symptoms lingering, it may be a good time to visit your healthcare provider.
Causes of Walking Pneumonia
Various agents are responsible for atypical pneumonia, understanding of which would imply information about:
- Bacteria: Most common causative agent is Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
- Viruses: Certain viral infections which can present as walking pneumonia.
- Fungal Infection: This is relatively uncommon.
Recent figures show that the cases of the disease are on the rise, particularly in highly populated areas. According to the CDC, outbreaks often occur in campuses and military barracks, so it’s something to look out for.
Risk Factors and Who is Most Affected?
Anyone can become infected with walking pneumonia, but there are certain groups that are more vulnerable to the infection. They are as follows:
Children and Elderly: Both are highly susceptible.
People with Prolonged Respiratory Conditions: If you happen to have asthma or COPD, you are more in jeopardy.
Crowded Living Situations: Schools, dormitories, and nursing homes are hotbeds. Immunocompromised Patients: These individuals on medications that suppress the action of the immune system need to be more aware.
How is Walking Pneumonia Diagnosed?
A diagnosis of walking pneumonia usually necessitates a visit to your healthcare provider, who will perform a physical examination and take a history of your symptoms. Here’s how they might go about it, step by step:
Physical Exam: They will check for abnormal lung sounds with the use of a stethoscope.
Auscultation Techniques: This is just a fancy way of saying they’ll listen to your lungs.
Laboratory Tests: Chest X-rays and blood tests may be ordered if the case requires further confirmation.
If you plan on visiting a doctor, make sure to write down your symptoms and any questions you may have in order to get the most out of your visit. The most common question that most people ask is how they go about testing for atypical pneumonia. A doctor will attempt to establish a diagnosis by chest X-rays and blood tests.
Ways to Treat Walking Pneumonia
Treatment options depend on the cause:
- Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection is suspected, your provider may prescribe antibiotics like macrolides, one common drug being azithromycin. One frequent question people have is how long you are contagious when you have walking pneumonia after taking antibiotics. You will generally be less contagious 24 to 48 hours after commencing antibiotics.
- Supportive Care: Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medication to alleviate symptoms.
- Home Remedies: Warm fluids may help soothe the throat and ease expectoration of the respiratory secretions.
Remember, if you’re prescribed antibiotics, make sure to complete the entire course, even if symptoms improve!
Contagion & Prevention Strategies of Walking Pneumonia
Yes, it is contagious! Walking pneumonia spreads through tiny droplets in the air when a person coughs or sneezes. Here are some strategies to help in not spreading it:
- Good Hygiene Practices: One must cover the mouth while coughing or sneezing and wash one’s hands regularly.
- Vaccinations: Getting a flu vaccination every year can help lower your chances of contracting the bacteria.
- Avoid Close Contacts: Also, it’s always wise to avoid close contact with anyone infected. If you know someone with this pneumonia, try to avoid the person. Taking these precautions can majorly lower your risk of getting infected.
Living with Walking Pneumonia
If you do catch walking pneumonia, don’t freak out! Here’s what to expect during recovery:
Recovery Time: It can persist for four to six weeks along with post-cough. Some individuals ask, will you die from walking pneumonia? Though it is rare, in extreme and complicated cases, it can occur, especially in immune-deficient individuals or chronic conditions.
Symptom Monitoring: Keep an eye on your symptoms, and if these exacerbate over time, consult your health professional.
Follow-up Appointments: These will keep you on the right track to ensure recovery.
Conclusion
In summary, walking pneumonia is a prevalent respiratory infection that is at times interchanged with the cold or flu. While the infection may be mild in nature, early recognition of symptoms will present you with the opportunity for the necessary treatment. If you feel you have this form of pneumonia, you should immediately contact your health care provider.
Remember, by sharing this article, you can make people more aware of this pneumonia, so don’t forget to enlighten friends and family to be on the lookout for it!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you know you have it?
Look for symptoms like a dry cough, mild fever, and fatigue. If these persist, the best thing is to consult with the doctor.
What does pneumonia cough sound like?
It is usually dry and persistent, which could be pretty annoying.
How long are you contagious with this pneumonia after antibiotics?
Normally, you will be less contagious within 24 to 48 hours following the administration of antibiotics.
What is the difference between walking pneumonia and bronchitis?
Walking pneumonia is due to a bacterium and often presents itself as symptoms of dry cough, while in bronchitis, it usually proceeds from the common cold and more or less features productive cough with mucous.
Walking pneumonia symptoms: The common signs and symptoms include a sore throat, dry cough, mild fever, and fatigue.
Treatment of atypical pneumonia: Antibiotics for bacterial infections and symptomatic treatments such as rest and hydration.
Is walking pneumonia contagious?
Yes, it is contagious, usually through respiratory droplets.
What are the initial signs and symptoms of walking pneumonia?
These are generally preceded by the mildest sore throat and dry cough.
How to diagnose this pneumonia?
Diagnosis can be provided through physical examinations, chest X-rays, and blood tests.
Is Walking pneumonia symptoms after COVID?
In some people, a lingering cough, fatigue, or even chest discomfort may persist after a COVID-19 infection; in this respect, it can be likened to symptoms of walking pneumonia.
Can you die from atypical pneumonia?
Severe disease, though seldom happening, could present serious complications in vulnerable populations.
