Walking pneumonia is a mild lung infection caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae, with symptoms similar to colds or respiratory viruses. It can be easily spread and may cause complications such as ear or sinus infections, bronchitis, and croup. Treatment with antibiotics is recommended.
The name walking pneumonia refers to a type of lung infection that comes on gradually. It is usually caused by an infectious organism called mycoplasma pneumoniae. Unlike other forms of pneumonia, the symptoms of walking pneumonia are milder, especially early in the infection. People usually do not need immediate bed rest and may inadvertently pass the infection on to others because they are still on their feet. As the condition worsens, about two to three weeks after infection, more symptoms become present.
At first walking pneumonia may be indistinguishable from colds or respiratory viruses. Some people have stuffy noses, headaches and may feel tired. Sore throat may follow or may be present at first, and many people have mild fevers. One of the big differences between walking pneumonia and the standard cold is that colds typically get better within two weeks. Symptoms usually get worse after two weeks, and a person may have a strong wet cough or a dry cough. Sleeping becomes difficult because the cough can get worse at night.
Children may have some symptoms different from those expressed by adults. Some babies get a rash and may have diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Some children may show signs of difficulty breathing, and some children and adults get the chills or have swollen glands. Regardless of the general mild nature of ambulatory pneumonia, respiratory distress should be treated as an emergency.
Both adults and children can experience complications from walking pneumonia. Some people develop ear or sinus infections. Another common complication is bronchitis. Young children with this condition may be especially vulnerable to croup.
If left untreated, the symptoms of walking pneumonia continue and will create a dry cough. Some people are able to recover without treatment, but the condition can get worse. Usually, if you notice signs of walking pneumonia such as cough, fatigue, fever, and headache, you should see your doctor. Most cases are easily treated with some form of antibiotics and can make recovery much quicker. Follow your doctor’s advice about using other medications, such as cough medicine, to treat some symptoms.
Some respiratory viruses tend to appear during certain seasons of the year. Walking pneumonia can occur at any time of the year. The condition can easily affect an entire population living together or groups of people who interact closely on a regular basis. Outbreaks of this disease can occur in summer camps and children in schools can easily pass this condition to each other.
Other definition of walking pneumonia can confuse people. Sometimes, when people have pneumonia of a viral origin, it is also referred to as “walking”. Unlike bacterial pneumonia, viral pneumonia isn’t treated with antibiotics.
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