Walking pneumonia is also called atypical pneumonia. This is a medical condition where the patient need not be hospitalized or bedridden. A person suffering from this condition can move around unlike normal pneumonia. This condition is caused due to an organism called Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Nearly, 2 million Americans suffer from this condition. Among this group, children are the major sufferers of this condition. Children between the age group 5 – 16 years are more susceptible to this condition.
Walking Pneumonia Symptoms:
Though this condition doesn’t show considerable symptoms in the initial days, patients gradually may experience the following symptoms:
- Sore throat due to ongoing cough condition
- Pain in chest, muscles, eyes, ears and abnormal area
- Runny nose
- Mild to severe headaches which is accompanied by throat problems and fever
- Sudden chills
- Cold
- Lethargy
- Rapid and shallow breathing because of fatigue
Prominent symptoms may develop in 1 – 3 weeks and this period is called incubation period. It begins by reducing energy levels and the person feels tired. Prior to incubation period, the disease does not show any symptoms.
Walking Pneumonia Treatment:
If you notice any of the above symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Although, walking pneumonia is not a condition which needs hospitalization or to be bedridden, it can be severe and annoying.
Antibiotics are used for treating walking pneumonia. Depending upon the patient’s condition, the medical professional decides the treatment duration which must be followed. If the patient is mobile and the condition hasn’t worsened, then the doctor may prescribe some antibiotic pills. If the condition is worsened, the health care provider may take some advance steps in treatment and may prescribe intravenous antibiotics.
Tips:
- Do not consume oily stuff or food which the doctor recommends to avoid.
- It is very effective in controlling the disease outbreak if a person diagnosed with the walking pneumonia uses a mask for covering the nose and mouth for some days, particularly when the person is having a conversation with a healthy person, until he gets treated.
- If you notice any symptoms, consult the doctor immediately.
- Follow the doctor’s instructions strictly if you are diagnosed with walking pneumonia. Although, walking pneumonia doesn’t make a patient hospitalized, it can get complicated if proper care is not given.
