Summary about Disease
Walking pneumonia is a mild form of pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria. It gets its name because people often feel well enough to continue their daily activities while infected, unlike with more severe forms of pneumonia that require bed rest. It's typically less severe than other types of pneumonia and rarely requires hospitalization.
Symptoms
Symptoms are usually mild and develop gradually over 1 to 3 weeks. Common symptoms include:
Sore throat
Fatigue
Mild headache
Low-grade fever (often below 101°F/38.3°C)
Dry cough (may become productive later)
Chest discomfort
General malaise
Causes
Walking pneumonia is most commonly caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Other bacteria and viruses can also cause milder cases of pneumonia that might be considered "walking pneumonia," but *Mycoplasma pneumoniae* is the most frequent culprit. The infection spreads through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Medicine Used
Antibiotics are used to treat walking pneumonia caused by bacteria like Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Common antibiotics include:
Macrolides: Azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin
Tetracyclines: Doxycycline
Fluoroquinolones: Levofloxacin, moxifloxacin (typically reserved for adults when other options are not suitable) Over-the-counter pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen) can help manage fever and discomfort. Cough suppressants may be used for symptomatic relief, but are generally not recommended.
Is Communicable
Yes, walking pneumonia is communicable. It spreads through respiratory droplets produced by coughing or sneezing. The infection is most contagious during the early stages of the illness.
Precautions
To prevent the spread of walking pneumonia:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue or your elbow.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you are feeling unwell.
Avoid sharing personal items such as drinks and utensils.
How long does an outbreak last?
Outbreaks of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, the most common cause of walking pneumonia, tend to occur every 4 to 8 years, and can last for several months or even a year within a community or region. Individual cases typically resolve within 1 to 4 weeks with treatment, but the cough can linger for several weeks longer.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis can be challenging because symptoms are often mild and nonspecific. Diagnosis may include:
Physical exam: Listening to the lungs for abnormal sounds.
Medical history: Reviewing symptoms and potential exposures.
Chest X-ray: May show patchy infiltrates, but can also appear normal.
Sputum culture: To identify the specific organism (less common).
Blood tests: May detect antibodies to Mycoplasma pneumoniae. PCR tests of the throat or nasal swabs can also be used to detect the bacteria's DNA.
Timeline of Symptoms
Incubation period: 1 to 4 weeks
Initial symptoms: Sore throat, fatigue, headache (gradual onset)
1-3 weeks: Development of cough (dry at first, may become productive), low-grade fever, chest discomfort.
Recovery: Symptoms gradually improve over 1 to 4 weeks with treatment, although the cough can persist for several weeks longer.
Important Considerations
Walking pneumonia is often self-limiting, meaning it can resolve on its own without treatment, but antibiotics can shorten the duration of illness and reduce the risk of complications.
Complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor, even if you start feeling better.
Rest and adequate hydration are important for recovery.
Walking pneumonia is more common in children and young adults.
Consult a doctor if symptoms worsen or don't improve after a few days.
While generally mild, complications can occur in rare cases, such as more severe pneumonia, bronchitis, or ear infections.