Table of Contents
Walking Pneumonia
What is Walking Pneumonia?
The pneumonia means that is something which affects your lung parenchyma. It’s a Greek word which insignifies lung. So pneumonia means that it’s going to affects your lungs. Walking pneumonia is an infection that primarily affects the lower respiratory system first and then results in decreased lung function and inflammation. Walking pneumonia develops more slowly than normal pneumonia, and walking pneumonia is a lexicon of common man’s dictionary.
But I don’t think it’s a good term for us, it just means pneumonia which is not severe enough to put you in bed or put you in a hospital immediately but it’s just another community acquired pneumonia that means pneumonia which is acquired, but it not severe that you get prostrate and you get on bed and you can’t get out or your fever and chills are not that severe but it’s still a pneumonia, hence it is called walking pneumonia. But it is less severe but requires proper treatment and understanding to avoid complications. It’s caused by probably a typical organisms rather than a typical bacterial pathogens which cause pneumonia.
Types of Walking Pneumonia:
Mycoplasma pneumonia:
This is the most common type of pneumonia, the spread of which starts from common places like schools, colleges, markets etc. Pneumonia spreads easily and rapidly in crowded places. Mycoplasma pneumoniae usually occurs during the winter or fall seasons, but occasionally it can occur year-round. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is caused by bacteria and its symptoms include mild fever, sore throat, cough and fatigue.
Chlamydia pneumonia:
This type of pneumonia affects older children and adults. Pneumonia usually gets better on its own, but it can cause more problems in people with weakened immune systems. Its symptoms include cough, weakness, chest pain etc.
Legionella pneumonia:
This is a rare type of pneumonia, Which is spread due to contaminated water sources, such as air conditioning systems or hot water tubs. This type of pneumonia is more severe and requires immediate medical attention. Its symptoms include high fever, cough, stomach upset etc.
Fungal walking pneumonia:
This pneumonia usually affects people with weakened immune systems quickly. This type of pneumonia is caused by inhalation of various fungal spores or, more specifically, by soil or polluted air. Its symptoms include difficulty breathing and heaviness in the chest.
The types of pneumonia vary depending on the cause and severity of the pneumonia. Although pneumonia is a mild disease, certain types can be more serious. Which requires prompt treatment as well as timely diagnosis.
Symptoms of walking pneumonia:
It’s symptoms include the following:
- Persistent dry cough
- Mild fever
- Fatigue and restlessness
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Nasal congestion
Unlike common pneumonia, active pneumonia is not characterized by high fever and severe breathing difficulties.
Ways of Transmission:
As walking pneumonia is a viral. Therefore, the method of its spread mainly includes coughing or sneezing. That is, when we live or sit near an infected person, we easily get the pneumonia germs from his cough or sneeze. Walking pneumonia is easily spread to others by respiratory droplets released when a person with Pneumonia coughs or sneezes. Also, walking pneumonia can spread through contaminated places or objects. At the same time, it is quite clear that being in crowded environments or close contact with people with walking pneumonia increases the chances of infection.
Diagnosis:
The following methods are used to diagnose active pneumonia.
Clinical examination:
In this stage of his diagnosis, the doctor tries to check by listening to lung sounds, whether his lung sounds are snoring or whistling.
Chest X-ray:
A patient’s chest X-ray is done to diagnose walking pneumonia. A chest X-ray, which looks for inflammatory spots in the patient’s lungs, differentiates pneumonia from other respiratory diseases.
Blood tests:
Blood tests are done to detect infection and inflammation in the patient. In addition, blood tests can be done to identify specific microbes.
Sputum test:
Doctors analyze the mucus from the patient’s respiratory tract, to find out the cause of the disease.
Oxygen Level Measurement:
To diagnose walking pneumonia, an oxygen level measurement is used to measure the level of oxygen in the blood to determine how well the lungs are working.
Treatment
Antibiotics:
Antibiotics are used to treat bacteria such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Medicines such as azithromycin, doxycycline or fluoroquinolones are commonly used in pneumonia treatment.
Antivirals:
Drugs prescribed for viral pneumonia, such as osetamor.
Treatment of symptoms:
Common illnesses like cold, fever, cough and nasal congestion, which are common symptoms of pneumonia, are treated with common medications such as pain relievers, paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Hydration:
Hydration is essential for treating walking pneumonia. But staying hydrated is also very important. Giving adequate amount of water to the body gives chances of quick recovery. Drinking more water during walking pneumonia also keeps the body hydrated, and thins mucus, making it easier to expel.
Humidifiers and Steam Therapy:
Steam is an excellent treatment for walking pneumonia. Which can help you recover from walking pneumonia. In cases of walking pneumonia, steaming opens nasal congestion. Which makes breathing easier. Steam and humidifiers are helpful for walking pneumonia.
Recovery time:
After treatment for walking pneumonia, most patients have a recovery time of seven to ten days. However, it is sometimes possible that the cough may persist for a long time even after treatment. While people with weakened immune systems or people who already suffer from various diseases may take longer to recover from walking pneumonia.
Complications in walking pneumonia:
- If walking pneumonia is not treated on time, active pneumonia can cause various complications.
- If left untreated, pneumonia turns into severe pneumonia, for which admission to the hospital becomes necessary.
- Severe breathing problems occur. Exacerbation occurs in patients with asthma.
- The infection spreads through the bloodstream to other parts of the body.
Risk factors of walking pneumonia:
Groups of people at risk of walking pneumonia include:
- Children, young and old people,
- People with chronic diseases, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease,
- People who smoke cigarettes,
- People with weakened immune systems,
Prevention:
Below are some essential steps to prevent walking pneumonia, which are very important to follow to prevent walking pneumonia and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Vaccination:
- Be sure to get an annual flu vaccination, it is helpful in reducing the risk of viral pneumonia.
- Neococcal vaccination is available for special groups.
Follow the rules of cleanliness:
- Avoid dirty surfaces or dirty objects and take special care of cleanliness.
- Be sure to use soap or hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching the face, especially the mouth and nose, without using hand sanitizer.
Avoiding sick people:
- Keep distance from people suffering from walking pneumonia.
- Wear a mask in crowded places.
Strengthening the immune system:
- Take special care of food and drink.
- Eat foods that are balanced and rich in vitamins and minerals. •Exercise regularly.
- Stay hydrated and get adequate sleep.
About Author
I’m Ayesha Iqbal, a student studying MBBS at Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS) Lahore. I write about health for “GenZ Cares” because they care a lot about young people staying healthy. I do research and try new things to learn more about how to keep everyone feeling good. My articles focus on topics like nutrition, exercise, mental well-being, and ways to lead a healthier lifestyle. Through my writing, I aim to share valuable insights and practical tips that can make a positive difference in people’s lives.
Reviewed By
This article is reviewed by “Nashit Aliyan“, a certified Surgical Technologist from Government College University Faisalabad under section 2017-2021. I am 17A medical officer as well as Strategic and financial planning expert and Proficient in surgical field. Me and my team use the latest technology to perform complex surgical procedures. I recommend to “GenZ Cares” because they are really hardworking in their work and care a lot about youth to staying healthy.