Walking pneumonia is a mild but misunderstood stubborn lung infection; medical professionals are reporting more and more cases in the last several weeks. It was named “silent” pneumonia, when it was first described in the 1930s, because affected people could apparently carry on their normal lives when infected. Unlike regular pneumonia, which can cause lung inflammation as marked as even life-threatening interference with breathing, walking pneumonia is usually less severe.
As per Dr. Vikas Mittal, Pulmonologist, and the Director of the Department of Respiratory Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Punjabi Bagh, walking pneumonia can be asymptomatic with fluid-filled air sacs in the lungs as viewed through X-rays, yet it may cause no apparent symptoms.
Dr. Neetu Jain, pulmonologist at PSRI Hospital, New Delhi said that some patients just reflect a silent hypoxia wherein they will not have apparent symptoms, but a pulse oximeter will reflect a low oxygen level and that is the reason why it needs medical attention if the symptom persists or exacerbates in course.
Normally school-age children to young adults may be affected, and it is basically contagious through respiratory droplets. Those with weak immunity, such as those suffering from chronic disease, and those undergoing immunosuppressive drugs, are generally at the risk of complications. Though walking pneumonia would not usually lead to a life-threatening situation, once the condition worsens or breathing is difficult, chest pains continues, or severe headaches occur, then medical attention is a must. Antibiotics are used as the treatments. Actually, early diagnosis avoids the possible complications and minimizes the risk of spreading the infection.
What is walking pneumonia ?
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the main bacterium responsible for walking pneumonia, whose symptoms are similar to those of the cold or flu and include minor respiratory illnesses, including cough, sore throat, low-grade fever, and fatigue; this may run for weeks if not treated, leading to distress.
Symptoms of walking pneumonia:
- Fever, between 102°F to 104°F.
- Sore throat.
- Fatigue or tiredness.
- Mild chest tightness or discomfort.
- Wheezing or coughing up blood.
- Diarrhea or abdominal pain
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Seizures in rare cases
Additional symptoms in specific groups:
1. Infants and young children: –
Fever
Cough
Upper Respiratory Tract
Runny nose
Vomiting
Refusal to feed
2. Elderly:-
Confusion
Disorientation
Dizziness
Falls
Decreased mobility
Treatment of walking pneumonia:
Generally, the treatment of pneumonia is a combination of medications, rest, and supportive care. Amoxicillin, azithromycin, or fluoroquinolones will be given if pneumonia is bacterial. Antiviral drugs such as in oseltamivir or zanamivir will be applied in the case of viral pneumonia. The treatment also includes cough suppressants, expectorants, and pain relievers that can be used to manage the signs and symptoms of the disease. Rest, hydration, and oxygen therapy take top priority for recovery.
The initial treatment of pneumonia usually is mild. The disease may be more serious and require hospitalization in severe cases to administer intravenous antibiotics and to provide respiratory support as well as close monitoring of the patient. Supportive care including eating a healthy diet, avoidance of smoking as well as secondhand smoke, and good hygiene practice to avoid infection is important. In some instances, such as walking pneumonia, with its relatively mild form, outpatient-based treatment could be given. Patients might recover orally with antibiotics and self-care.
Preventive measures and health care maintenance for walking pneumonia:
- Do not come close to the infected.
- Use humidifier to avoid dry air.
- Avoid sharing personal effects, towels, utensils, etc.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces often
- Wear mask especially in crowded places or outbreak.
- Keep a watch on chronic condition diabetes, asthma, or COPD
- Keep a watch on blood pressure and cholesterol
- Keep maintaining regular check-up with your doctor
- Maintain oral hygiene.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing pneumonia and maintain overall respiratory health. Recognize early symptoms such as cough, fever, shortness of breath. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist.