Everything You Needed To Know About “Walking Pneumonia”
You could be suffering from one and not know it.
Walking pneumonia, also known as Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) or atypical pneumonia, is a mild form of pneumonia that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or molds.
This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of walking pneumonia.
Causes
The main causes of walking pneumonia include:
- Bacteria, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae: This bacterium is the most common cause of walking pneumonia, accounting for up to 50% of cases. It is highly contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- Viruses: Other viruses, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza, can also cause walking pneumonia. These viruses are highly contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces.
- Molds: Exposure to certain molds, such as Aspergillus and Stachybotrys, can cause walking pneumonia in people with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms
Symptoms of walking pneumonia can vary, but they often include:
- Sore throat: This is a common symptom of walking pneumonia and can be caused by the inflammation of the throat.
- Sneezing: Sneezing is another common symptom of walking pneumonia and can be caused by the irritation of the nasal passages.
- Cough: A dry or productive cough is a hallmark symptom of walking pneumonia and can last for several weeks.
- Headache: Headaches are common in people with walking pneumonia and can be caused by the inflammation of the sinuses.
- Mild chills: Mild chills are a common symptom of walking pneumonia and can be caused by the body’s immune response to the infection.
- Low-grade fever: A low-grade fever is a common symptom of walking pneumonia and can be caused by the body’s immune response to the infection.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing walking pneumonia can be challenging due to its varied clinical presentation and the fact that patients may not always seek medical attention. Doctors may use blood tests, mucus samples, or chest X-rays to determine the cause of walking pneumonia.
A chest X-ray can show signs of inflammation or fluid in the lungs, while a blood test can detect antibodies to the bacteria or virus causing the infection.
Treatment
Treatment for walking pneumonia typically involves:
- Antibiotics to help recover more quickly: Antibiotics are effective against bacterial causes of walking pneumonia, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae. However, they are not effective against viral or fungal causes of walking pneumonia.
- Over-the-counter medicines to alleviate symptoms: Over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help alleviate symptoms of walking pneumonia, such as fever, headache, and sore throat.
Prevention
To prevent walking pneumonia, it is essential to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently, avoiding smoking, and staying up-to-date on vaccinations. Vaccines, such as the pneumococcal vaccine and the flu vaccine, can help prevent bacterial and viral causes of walking pneumonia.
Practice good hygiene. Be safe out there!
