Understanding Walking Pneumonia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Categories: HEALTH
Atypical pneumonia, also referred to as walking pneumonia, is a less severe type of pneumonia that can be brought on by a wide range of microbes, including viruses, bacteria, and even fungus. The term "walking pneumonia" refers to the fact that, in contrast to other types of pneumonia, walking pneumonia frequently manifests with milder symptoms that let people go about their regular lives. To avoid complications, it's crucial to identify the signs of walking pneumonia and get medical help as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia
Individual differences exist in the symptoms of walking pneumonia, which can resemble those of the flu or a regular cold. Still, a few of the most typical signs and symptoms are:
•Cough: Walking pneumonia's defining symptom is a persistent cough. There are two types of coughs: productive (producing mucus or phlegm) and dry.
•Fever: With walking pneumonia, a low-grade fever, usually between 38°C and 38.3°C (100°F and 101°F), is frequently present.
•Headache: Walking pneumonia frequently manifests as a headache, which may also be accompanied by weariness and muscle aches.
•Sore throat: Another typical sign of walking pneumonia is a painful throat, which can often cause trouble swallowing.
•Chest pain: Walking pneumonia can cause chest pain, particularly when coughing or inhaling deeply.
•Chills: Walking pneumonia may cause mild sweats or chills.
•Runny nose: Certain forms of walking pneumonia may involve nasal congestion or runny nose.
•Fatigue: Walking pneumonia frequently causes fatigue, which might last long after other symptoms have gone away.
Causes of Walking Pneumonia
Numerous microbes can cause walking pneumonia, including:
•Mycoplasma pneumoniae: This bacterium is the most common cause of walking pneumonia, accounting for about 50% of cases.
•Chlamydia pneumoniae: This bacterium is responsible for about 10% of walking pneumonia cases.
•Legionella pneumophila: This bacterium can occasionally cause walking pneumonia in addition to Legionnaires' disease, a more severe episode of pneumonia.
•Viruses: Viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza can also cause walking pneumonia.
Risk Factors for Walking Pneumonia
Certain factors may increase your risk of developing walking pneumonia, including:
•Age: Children and older adults are more susceptible to walking pneumonia.
•Weakened immune system: Walking pneumonia is more common in people with compromised immune systems, such as those receiving chemotherapy or those living with HIV/AIDS.
•Smoking: Smoking can increase your risk of developing walking pneumonia and other respiratory infections.
•Exposure to secondhand smoke: Additionally, walking pneumonia can become more likely as a result of secondhand smoking exposure.
•Crowded conditions: Walking pneumonia-causing microbes can be more common in places where people live or work in close quarters.
Diagnosis of Walking Pneumonia
Walking pneumonia has moderate symptoms that overlap with other respiratory infections, making diagnosis difficult. Most likely, your doctor will start by getting your medical history and doing a physical examination. Additionally, they could request diagnostic exams like:
•Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray can help visualize the lungs and identify signs of pneumonia.
•Sputum test: Sputum tests are used to determine the causative microorganism by examining mucus or sputum that has been coughed up from the lungs.
•Blood tests: Blood testing can assist in identifying the precise bacterium causing an infection and determining whether one is present.
Treatment for Walking Pneumonia
Although antiviral or antifungal drugs may be recommended in certain situations, antibiotics are usually the first line of treatment for walking pneumonia. Rest, over-the-counter medicine, and enough hydration are all effective ways for the majority of people with walking pneumonia to recover at home. Hospitalisation may, nevertheless, be required in specific circumstances, particularly for elderly patients or those with underlying medical issues.
Prevention of Walking Pneumonia
There are various preventive methods that can lower the chance of walking pneumonia, such as:
•Good hygiene: Germs can be stopped from spreading by washing your hands often with soap and water and practising proper hand hygiene.
•Vaccination: Having an influenza vaccination can help prevent some occurrences of influenza-related walking pneumonia.
•Smoking cessation: Giving up smoking will dramatically lower your risk of respiratory diseases such as walking pneumonia.
•Avoiding secondhand smoke: Protecting your respiratory health can also be achieved by avoiding secondhand smoking exposure.
•Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: You may strengthen your immune system and lessen your vulnerability to infections by leading a healthy lifestyle that includes eating a balanced diet, exercising frequently, and getting enough sleep.
When to Seek Medical Attention
It's critical to get medical help as soon as possible if you exhibit any walking pneumonia symptoms. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can guarantee a quick recovery and help avoid problems. Consult your physician.