Have you been feeling a little feverish and lethargic for a few days with a cough? But it's not so bad that you have to stay in bed. You can go to work at the office, take care of your children, and do your daily chores. But this cough and fatigue do not seem to be getting any better. Many people think at times like this, "This is just a bad cold." But you know, this may not be as simple as we think. This is the condition we are going to talk about today called "Walking Pneumonia."
What is Walking Pneumonia?
Simply put, this is a milder form of pneumonia. When we hear the word pneumonia, we all get a little scared. Because when we get regular pneumonia, we often have to be hospitalized due to high fever, severe cough with phlegm, and difficulty breathing. What happens is that an infection enters the lungs and the air sacs in the lungs fill with mucus and pus.
But in this case of Walking Pneumonia , the symptoms are not that severe. You can walk and work normally, which is why it is called "walking". However, despite the name "walking", this is also an infection of the lungs, so it is very important to be careful about it. Medically, this is called "Atypical Pneumonia".
What is the difference between Walking Pneumonia and regular pneumonia?
It is very important to understand the difference between the two, because we can get a rough idea of the condition based on the small differences in symptoms.
| Characteristic | Walking Pneumonia | Typical Pneumonia |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | There is usually a low-grade fever (less than 38 Celsius / 101 Fahrenheit). | A high fever may occur (up to 38 - 40 Celsius / 101 - 105 Fahrenheit). |
| Cough | Most of the time, there is a dry cough. Very little mucus is produced. | A productive cough is the most common type of cough. |
| Sickness | It feels like a really bad cold. I can't do my daily activities. | It feels so bad that I have to stay in bed. Often I have to be hospitalized. |
| Treatment | Treatment can often be done at home. | Hospitalization and treatment may be necessary. |
Who is most likely to develop this condition? (Risk groups)
Although anyone can develop Walking Pneumonia, some people are at higher risk of developing it. Think of it this way, when our body's immune system is weakened, diseases can easily enter the body.
- For children under 2 years old
- For those over 65 years of age
- People with weakened immune systems (for example, cancer patients, HIV-infected people) or those taking immunosuppressant medications.
- For people with chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), Asthma , and Emphysema .
- For those who live or work in crowded places like schools, hostels, military camps, and nursing homes .
- For those who use tobacco products (smokers).
- For those who regularly use inhalers containing corticosteroids .
What are the symptoms of Walking Pneumonia?
These symptoms are often similar to those of a common cold, so we can easily confuse them.
It starts out like a cold or flu, so many people don't think much of it.
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Chest pain or discomfort
- A slight fever
- Mild chills
- Cough (often a dry cough)
- Sneezing
- Headache
If you have had one or more of these symptoms for several days, it is wise to see a doctor rather than assuming it is just a common cold and waiting for it to get better on its own.
Is this disease contagious? How is it transmitted?
Yes, Walking Pneumonia is definitely a contagious disease. This is what we need to be most concerned about.
When a person with the disease coughs, sneezes, or talks, tiny droplets are released into the air. Another person can infect another person by breathing in that air.
The most dangerous thing about this is that you can spread the disease to someone else for about two to four weeks before symptoms appear . This means that you can spread the disease to your family, friends, and officemates before you even know you are sick. You can spread the disease to someone else even after symptoms start, even after those symptoms have completely disappeared.
How does the doctor recognize this?
When you go to see a doctor, he or she will ask you about your symptoms. How long have you been having these problems? You may also ask if anyone else in your family has this condition.
Then he will listen to your chest with a stethoscope. This is called auscultation. This test can detect any abnormalities in the sounds coming from the lungs.
If there is any suspicion of the disease, several more tests can be performed to confirm it.
- Chest X-ray: This helps to check for lung infection.
- Sputum sample test: If you cough up phlegm, a sample can be taken and sent to a lab to find the cause of the infection.
- Blood tests: This helps to check for signs of infection in the blood.
How is it treated?
Treatment for walking pneumonia depends on the cause of the disease. It is mainly caused by a type of bacteria (especially Mycoplasma pneumoniae), but can sometimes be caused by viruses or fungi.
If there is a bacterial infection
If your doctor determines that you have walking pneumonia caused by bacteria, he or she will prescribe antibiotics . The types of antibiotics commonly prescribed are:
- Macrolide antibiotics: These include drugs like azithromycin and clarithromycin. These are suitable for both children and adults.
- Fluoroquinolones: Medicines like ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin belong to this group. These are usually not given to young children.
- Tetracyclines: Examples of these include medications like doxycycline. These are suitable for adults and older children.
Very important: You must take the antibiotics prescribed by your doctor for the full course of treatment, without missing a single day. Do not stop taking the medication just because you feel better. Doing so can cause the infection to come back and prevent you from getting better the next time you take the medication.
If there is a viral infection
If the condition is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not help. All you have to do is treat the symptoms and give your body time to fight the illness and heal.
- Rest well.
- Drink more hot liquids (soup, stew, porridge).
- Steaming or using a humidifier can keep the airways moist.
- Use cough and phlegm relief medications as directed by your doctor.
- You can use painkillers like NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to reduce fever. However, it is essential to talk to your doctor and seek advice before taking any medication.
What is the difference between Walking Pneumonia and COVID-19?
It's common for us to be suspicious of COVID-19 with any respiratory illness these days. There are similarities as well as clear differences between the two.
| Characteristic | Walking Pneumonia | COVID-19 |
|---|---|---|
| Pathogen | Most often a bacterium (`Mycoplasma pneumoniae`). | A virus (SARS-CoV-2). |
| Main symptoms | Dry cough, low fever, extreme fatigue, headache, sore throat. | Fever, cough, fatigue, muscle aches, headache. |
| Specific symptoms | There are few specific symptoms. It feels like a cold. | Symptoms such as loss of smell and taste , diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may occur. |
Can't this disease be prevented?
Unfortunately, there is no specific vaccine for Walking Pneumonia yet. Also, once you have had this disease, you cannot be sure that you will not get it again. However, if we follow our hygiene habits properly, we can reduce the risk of developing it to a great extent.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze . If nothing is available, sneeze into the inside of your elbow. Do not sneeze into your hand.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
- If you have a respiratory condition like asthma or a chronic condition like diabetes or heart disease, wear a mask when around people who are sick.
- Avoid smoking completely. Don't let others smoke around you. Smoke can make symptoms worse.
Take-Home Message
- Although walking pneumonia is a less severe form of pneumonia, it is also an infection of the lungs and should not be ignored.
- This feels like a cold or flu, so if you have a cough and fatigue for several days, see a doctor.
- Walking pneumonia is a highly contagious disease. You can infect someone before you even have symptoms.
- If the doctor prescribes antibiotics, be sure to use them for the full prescribed period.
- Getting enough rest, nutritious food, and drinking plenty of fluids will go a long way toward speeding up your recovery.
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