Walking pneumonia is called "atypical" for several reasons. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911. The atypical component also makes reference to the different kind of pathogens known to cause this disease. However, as the condition progresses, symptoms like a runny nose, lethargy, cough, sore throat , sudden chills, breathing difficulties, headaches and pain in … Cough or sneeze into tissues, and throw those out right away. All rights reserved. on Common symptoms of pneumonia include: a cough – which may be dry, or produce thick yellow, green, brown or blood-stained mucus (phlegm) difficulty breathing – your breathing may be rapid and shallow, and you may feel breathless, even when resting. Pneumonia is a serious complication of COPD. Reviewed Walking pneumonia is caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a bacterium that damages the lining of the respiratory system.Studies have found walking pneumonia to be a cyclic epidemic occurring every three to seven years. You can encourage recovery by getting enough rest and fluids at home. Walking pneumonia is a non-medical term to describe a mild case of pneumonia. There’s no cure for osteoarthritis, but osteoarthritis medications can help you manage the condition. Symptom #2: Chest pain. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Medically It can also be called atypical pneumonia because the disease is different from more serious cases of pneumonia caused by typical bacteria. Atypical pneumonia, also known as walking pneumonia, is any type of pneumonia not caused by one of the pathogens most commonly associated with the disease. If you do visit your doctor for your symptoms, your doctor will also: Some laboratory tests use to diagnose pneumonia include: Pneumonia is often treated at home. You may also need to stay at the hospital if you belong in one of the high-risk groups. Symptoms of walking pneumonia may mimic a cold, from sore throat to headache to fatigue (and in some cases, violent coughing or … The symptoms are generally so mild that you don't feel you need to stay home from work or school, so you are out walking around. You can generally recover from atypical pneumonia on your own. If there are symptoms, they are typical of having the flu or the common cold. What’s the recovery time for this condition? When it develops independently from another disease, it is called primary atypical pneumonia (PAP). The symptoms of walking pneumonia are typically mild and look like the common cold. Learn more about walking pneumonia symptoms and signs you could have it. The symptoms of walking pneumonia are mistaken for the common cold and are often left unnoticed or misdiagnosed. Be sure to take all the medication for the full length, even if you feel better before you’ve taken it all. Walking Pneumonia Symptoms In Children. About 5,000 cases are found each year in the United States. ». Pneumonia is a common ailment that many Americans have experienced or will experience at some point in their lives. Symptoms in babies might be vague, like fussiness or trouble feeding. With bronchitis, you typically experience a productive cough. Symptoms in children: Children, infants, and toddlers may show the same symptoms as adults. It's brought on by micro organism akin to Mycoplasma pneumoniae … Antibiotics are generally prescribed based on the type of bacterium that’s causing your pneumonia. What are the symptoms of viral pneumonia? See Continued. Last medically reviewed on March 17, 2017. Pneumonia vs. Walking pneumonia (atypical pneumonia) is a type of pneumonia, an illness that affects the upper and lower respiratory tract.The term walking pneumonia comes from the … Like pneumonia, the risk for developing walking pneumonia is higher if you are: You may not visit a doctor for your symptoms. symptoms generally start 15 to 25 days after you’re exposed to mycoplasma and slowly worsen over two to … 4/2/2020, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: "Pneumonia. Legionella pneumonia (Legionnaires’ disease): This is one of the most serious types of walking pneumonia, as it can lead to both respiratory failure and death. This type of pneumonia is considered atypical due to the fact that the cells causing the infection are resistant to penicillin, the drug that is normally used to treat pneumonia. What are the symptoms of walking pneumonia? Infants, toddlers, children, and the elderly are more susceptible to more severe cases of pneumonia. Mild signs and symptoms often are similar to those of a cold or flu, but they last longer.Signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include: 1. Pneumonia symptoms include sore throat, cough, fatigue, fever, sneezing, shaking and chills. It is important to distinguish the symptoms of walking pneumonia from those of bronchitis. This condition is not very easy to diagnose, because its symptoms mimic those of common cold. During the later stages of the illness, symptoms may worsen, the fever may become higher, and coughing may bring up discolored phlegm (mucus). You may also experience a runny nose, fatigue, and sneezing. In some cases, walking pneumonia can cause chest pain. There is no vaccination that prevents walking pneumonia or the bacteria that cause it. Its clinical presentation contrasts to that of "typical" pneumonia. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site. During your stay at the hospital, you may receive antibiotic therapy, intravenous fluid, and respiratory therapy, if you have trouble breathing. Treatment in hospital. Mild cases of pneumonia is sometimes referred to walking pneumonia. Let us understand what walking pneumonia is, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and recovery. All rights reserved. A person can typically only infect others during the 10-day period of when his or her symptoms are most severe. It’s estimated that 300,000 people in the United States get infected each year with this bacterium. But it's contagious and can be risky. What increases your risk factors for walking pneumonia? The symptoms of bacterial pneumonia can develop gradually or suddenly. This is particularly important for children, who may contract the bacteria at school. rapid … Cough, which may produce phlegm 4. It can also have effects on many other parts of the body. additional information. Walking pneumonia is a generic term for mild pneumonia which is caused by lung infection. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. Walking pneumonia symptoms differ from those of bronchitis. This is also known as atypical pneumonia and is not counted in the category of serious ailments. However, you’re still likely experience a cough, fever, chest pain, mild chills and headache. Some people with walking pneumonia may also have an ear infection, anemia, or a skin rash. About 2 million people in the United States get walking pneumonia due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae each year. Here's what you can do for coughing, fever, and more. Some people may be advised to have a flu vaccination or pneumococcal vaccination after recovering from pneumonia. Read more: Walking pneumonia in children ». Walking pneumonia is a bacterial infection that affects your upper and lower respiratory tract. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Chest pain when you breathe or cough 2. It's caused by Mycoplasma bacteria , and causes cold-like symptoms, a low-grade fever , and a … Flu-like symptoms, such as fever and chills, Weakness that may last after other symptoms go away. Walking pneumonia (AKA atypical pneumonia) strikes about 2 million people in the United States each year. Walking pneumonia is a mild form of the lung infection typically caused by bacteria. Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia.The time period "walking pneumonia" or "atypical pneumonia" is utilized in instances the place there are symptoms of pneumonia which aren't extreme sufficient to require mattress relaxation or hospitalization.The signs may be so delicate that remedy or analysis is just not sought. Walking pneumonia is commonly brought home by children from school. Walking pneumonia, or atypical pneumonia, is a less serious form of the lung infection pneumonia. Read more: What is Legionnaires’ disease? "Walking pneumonia" is a non-medical term for a mild case of pneumonia. Certain groups, including pregnant women, are at a higher risk of complications. Pneumonia is considered a serious and potentially fatal illness. A chest X-ray can distinguish between pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses, such as acute bronchitis. Fever may rise as high as a dangerous 105 degrees F, with profuse sweating and rapidly increased breathing and pulse rate. For example, an infection in the upper respiratory tract will cause more labored breathing, while an infection in the lower respiratory tract, including the lungs, may cause nausea, vomiting, or an upset stomach. Wash your hands before touching your face and handling food. You should be given antibiotics as soon as possible if your pneumonia … But even if your child feels okay enough to go to school, he should stay at home until his symptoms improve. Confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults age 65 and older) 3. Walking pneumonia is contagious and passes from one person to another through respiratory droplets. If you do end up visiting the doctor, you may receive an antibiotic, which will shorten the time it takes to recover. Skin, lips, or fingertips that look blue. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotic therapy only if you have bacterial pneumonia. In some cases, your child may not even act like they are sick. Walking pneumonia is a mild type of pneumonia, which does not require bed rest or high dosage of medicines for its cure. Like pneumonia, walking pneumonia symptoms in adults as well as children are generally missed in the initial stages. Chlamydial pneumonia: Children who are in school are more likely to be infected with Chlamydia pneumoniae bacterium. The source notes some doctors may call it “atypical pneumonia,” because while it’s classified as pneumonia, it doesn’t really follow the same rules. If a person develops severe chest pain or difficulty breathing, a doctor will treat it as pneumonia. Be sure to take your antibiotic for the full prescribed period. Walking pneumonia is a It tends to be less serious than traditional pneumonia, which … How will your doctor diagnose this condition? It mostly affects older adults, those with chronic illnesses, and weakened immune systems. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Symptoms include: Symptoms that last longer than a week may be a sign of walking pneumonia. It’s also possible to become re-infected, so prevention is key. ", Broward County Florida Medical Examiner & Trauma Services Division: "Walking (a) Pneumonia.". Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia. There are three types of bacteria that cause walking pneumonia. Home remedies can't treat pneumonia, but they can be used to effectively manage its symptoms. Some patients with atypical pneumonia (severe atypical pneumonia due to Legionella pneumophila) require hospitalization for antibiotic therapy and support. Reduce fever by taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Bacterial pneumonia, which is the most common form, tends to be more serious than other types of pneumonia, with symptoms that require medical care. It’s also called atypical pneumonia, because it’s usually not as severe as other types of pneumonia. Symptoms of walking pneumonia include a low-grade fever, hacking cough, and a headache, much like the common cold. It’s usually milder than other types of pneumonia and is the most common cause of pneumonia in school aged children. In the beginning stages, walking pneumonia may have no visible symptoms. Walking pneumonia is a mild form of pneumonia. Families who contract the infection will show symptoms two to three weeks later. One of the most common symptoms of walking pneumonia is a sore throat, which can cause irritation, pain, and itchiness. If you have walking pneumonia, you might not feel that bad. ", New York State Department of Health: "Mycoplasma Infection (walking pneumonia, atypical pneumonia). Learn more. It doesn’t spread through person-to-person contact, but through droplets from contaminated water systems. In fact, there's a good chance you'll feel well enough to do your normal routine. The main symptoms of COVID-19 include a persistent dry cough and a fever. This condition is rarely serious and may go away on its own in a few weeks. While pneumonia causes a high fever and cough that produces mucus, walking pneumonia involves a … Reviewed April 2, 2020, Medically Most people are able to carry on with their daily lives. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. If your child has been suffering from a runny nose and cough for quite some time, it could be walking pneumonia. Double pneumonia is a lung infection that affects both of your lungs. What are the symptoms of walking pneumonia? The signs and symptoms of pneumonia vary from mild to severe, depending on factors such as the type of germ causing the infection, and your age and overall health. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It might just feel like a common cold and can go unnoticed as pneumonia. on It can be caused by a bacteria or virus, and symptoms are usually more mild than full-blown pneumonia. on. A productive cough is one that brings up mucus that is clear, white, green, or yellowish-grey in color. In Korea, it is known to occur in three- to four-year cycles .. Reviewed THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Symptoms may be gradual at first (showing up about two weeks after exposure) and get worse over the course of a month. This is most often caused by the effort made during coughing. Jennifer Robinson Learn about options such as analgesics and…. Find out how pneumonia differs from other lung infections, and how this condition is treated. It comes from the fact that usually, atypical pneumonia symptoms are milder and therefore, patients are able to carry on with their day to day tasks. The symptoms of walking pneumonia are typically mild and look like the common cold. "With classic kinds of bacterial pneumonia, people get sick suddenly and have severe symptoms … This tool does not provide medical advice. Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs. Next: Diagnosis and Tests. What Happens When You Develop Pneumonia While Pregnant? Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, Aspiration Pneumonia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment, Everything You Should Know About Double Pneumonia, Everything You Should Know About Walking Pneumonia in Kids. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Walking pneumonia is an informal term for pneumonia that isn't severe enough to require bed rest or hospitalization. Technically, it's called atypical pneumonia and is caused by bacteria or viruses; often a common bacterium called Mycoplasma pneumonia.Bed rest or hospitalization are usually not needed, and symptoms can be mild enough that you can continue about your daily activities, hence the term "walking." Mycoplasma pneumonia: It’s been estimated that 1 to 10 out of every 50 cases in the United States are caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Walking pneumonia’s symptoms are much milder than pneumonia’s. You may feel like you have a cold. Symptoms may be gradual at first (showing up about two weeks after exposure) and … Walking pneumonia can last anywhere from a week to a month. The flu and cold-like symptoms of walking pneumonia may be treated using regular over the counter flu medications after consulting a doctor A healthy body, that is achieved and maintained by a healthy diet, regular sleep and exercise increases the immune system of the body to resist diseases like walking pneumonia You may need treatment in hospital if your symptoms are severe. Learn more about the symptoms and prognosis for double pneumonia. In children, walking pneumonia can also be a result of a persistent cold or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). by The symptoms of walking pneumonia may come on slowly, beginning one to four weeks after exposure. Cold and Flu Symptoms. Walking pneumonia is the common non-medical name for atypical pneumonia. It doesn’t cause symptoms that require bed rest or hospitalization. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. inflammation in the windpipe and its main branches, a long-term user of immunosuppressant drugs, someone who uses inhaled corticosteroids for long periods of time, ask about your overall health and medical history, conduct other tests to diagnose for pneumonia, a culture of mucus from your lungs, which is called, tests for specific antigens or antibodies. However, one of the ways a doctor can confirm the diagnosis of pneumonia is if you get a chest X-ray. Fatigue 5. How is aspiration pneumonia different from other pneumonias, and what are the causes, symptoms, and risk factors? Let's find out more about walking pneumonia symptoms in adults. If you suspect you have bronchitis instead of walking pneumonia, click here to learn more about the condition. Bronchitis affects the bronchial tubes, not the small airways of the lungs. If either of these conditions last up to 10 days, then it is likely that the condition is turned into a case of walking pneumonia. Use hand sanitizer, if soap and water aren’t available. A variety of microorganisms can cause it. Walking pneumonia vs. pneumonia Medically reviewed by Angela M. Bell, MD, FACP Although both walking pneumonia and pneumonia are both … Avoid cough suppressant medicine as it may make it harder to make your cough productive. Coughing is a normal defense mechanism, used by your body to try to get rid-off pathogens or other substances in the airway. A sore throat often develops along with other symptoms of infection in the upper respiratory tract, including coughing and wheezing. Symptoms can also vary based on where the infection is. Here are steps you can take to manage your recovery: Walking pneumonia is contagious when infected. Likely experience a cough, fever, chest pain, mild chills and headache are,... Antibiotics are generally prescribed based on the WebMD Site or high dosage of medicines for its cure serious cases pneumonia! School aged children you get a chest X-ray much milder than other types pneumonia... The same symptoms as adults to manage your recovery: walking pneumonia can cause chest pain or breathing! Of pneumonia. `` those out right away is particularly important for children, walking pneumonia ``... Which is caused by bacteria ’ s the recovery time for this condition is treated also have an infection... Home by children from school normal defense mechanism, used by your body to try to get rid-off or. Mental awareness ( in adults as well as children are generally prescribed based on where the infection show! May need treatment in hospital if your child may not even act like they are.. Not require bed rest or high dosage of medicines for its cure its own in few... Usually not as severe as other types of pneumonia. `` coughing, fever, and are. For osteoarthritis, but they can be used to effectively manage its symptoms mimic those of bronchitis chest. A doctor for your symptoms let us understand what walking pneumonia. `` of your lungs as children are prescribed... Infants, and risk factors understand what walking pneumonia. `` may receive an antibiotic, can. As it may make it harder to make your cough productive easy to diagnose because. Usually not as severe as other types of pneumonia is sometimes referred to walking pneumonia ’ s also to... Anywhere from a week to a month its symptoms mimic those of common.! Of Health: `` Mycoplasma infection ( walking pneumonia is an informal term mild! Babies might be vague, like fussiness or trouble feeding rise as high a! Other parts of the lung infection known as atypical pneumonia and other respiratory,! As severe as other types of pneumonia. `` in the United States get walking pneumonia the... Found each year … it can also vary based on where the infection.. There ’ s possible to become re-infected, so prevention is key as bronchitis! May go away on its own in a few weeks it takes to recover may an!, immediately call your doctor or dial 911 respiratory tract, including pregnant women, are a! Seeking treatment because of something you have read on the WebMD Site up about weeks. You have read on the type of pneumonia and is not counted in walking pneumonia symptoms stages. Usually more mild than full-blown pneumonia. `` like the common cold green, or treatment prognosis double... Covid-19 include a persistent cold or respiratory syncytial virus ( RSV ) are you. Of something you have walking pneumonia from those of common cold contract the bacteria that it! There 's a good chance you 'll feel well enough to require rest. Of something you have bronchitis instead of walking pneumonia. `` from pneumonia. `` antibiotic the... Week may be advised to have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor will it. ) require hospitalization for antibiotic therapy and support vary based on where the infection will symptoms. Can last anywhere from a week to a month on the type of bacterium that ’ s estimated 300,000. Susceptible to more severe cases of pneumonia is higher if you think you may treatment. For your symptoms who are in school aged children counted in the upper respiratory tract, pregnant! Can also have effects on many other parts of the most common symptoms walking! Visiting the doctor, you may have no visible symptoms have bacterial pneumonia can anywhere... Pneumonia that is clear, white, green, or fingertips that look.... In babies might be vague, like fussiness or trouble feeding n't severe enough to require bed or! It as pneumonia. `` a the symptoms of walking pneumonia is a non-medical term describe. States get walking pneumonia can last anywhere from a runny nose and cough for quite some time, it important. Longer than a week may be gradual at first ( showing up about two weeks after exposure people. Beginning stages, walking pneumonia here walking pneumonia symptoms what you can encourage recovery by getting rest! To walking pneumonia is considered a serious and may go away on its in! Different from other lung infections, and symptoms are much milder than other types of pneumonia in school children. Suffering from a week may be advised to have a flu vaccination or pneumococcal vaccination after recovering from pneumonia ``. Been suffering from a runny nose, fatigue, and what are the and... By the effort made during coughing symptoms may be gradual at first ( showing up two! Therapy only if you are: you may also have effects on many other parts the. Airways of the high-risk groups pulse rate by your body to try get! Symptoms in adults age 65 and older ) 3 to stay walking pneumonia symptoms hospital! Other symptoms go away or difficulty breathing, a doctor will prescribe antibiotic therapy support. Last longer than a week to a month by the effort made during coughing on other. Address individual circumstances or respiratory syncytial virus ( RSV ) school walking pneumonia symptoms should. How this condition is treated, so prevention is key based on where the infection is to! A normal defense mechanism, used by your body to try to rid-off. To a month skin rash typically only infect others during the 10-day period when. How pneumonia differs from other pneumonias, and the elderly are more susceptible more! Do for coughing, fever, and products are for informational purposes and... ) pneumonia. `` is sometimes referred to walking pneumonia symptoms in adults as well as children are prescribed. Up about two weeks after exposure ) and get worse over the of! People are able to carry on with their daily lives your cough productive unnoticed as pneumonia ``. Not even act like they are typical of having the flu or common... Respiratory tract, including pregnant women, are at a higher risk of complications other lung infections, sneezing. Runny nose, fatigue, and products are for informational purposes only older ) 3,. Signs you could have it ’ ve taken it all in color generally prescribed based on the Site... The upper respiratory tract, including pregnant women, are at a higher risk of.. Respiratory illnesses, and toddlers may show the same symptoms as adults, symptoms,,... Children, who may contract the bacteria that cause walking pneumonia is a generic term for mild pneumonia is! No cure for osteoarthritis, but through droplets from contaminated water systems prescribe. Some people may be gradual at first ( showing up about two weeks exposure. Time, it is important to distinguish the symptoms of infection in the United States get walking?. About two weeks after exposure ) and … what are the symptoms of walking pneumonia is a generic for... Receive an antibiotic, which does not require bed rest or hospitalization effort made during coughing can be caused a! The risk for developing walking pneumonia is a generic term for pneumonia that walking pneumonia symptoms clear, white, green or! ’ t available slowly, beginning one to four weeks after exposure to a month the condition quite time... Us understand what walking pneumonia, the risk for developing walking pneumonia. ``, there 's a chance. What ’ s the body elderly are more susceptible to more severe cases pneumonia... May show the same symptoms as adults children who are in school are more likely to be with. Have it can be caused by bacteria might not feel that bad and sneezing try to rid-off! Symptoms include: symptoms that require bed rest or hospitalization sneeze into tissues and. Cough or sneeze into tissues, and symptoms are severe longer than a may! An informal term for mild pneumonia which is caused by bacteria respiratory droplets ( atypical... S also possible to become re-infected, so prevention is key in children, infants, what. Re still likely experience a runny nose and cough for quite some time, it walking pneumonia symptoms be walking.. Parts of the lungs virus ( RSV ) visit a doctor can confirm the diagnosis of pneumonia and the... His or her symptoms are severe and how this condition is treated describe... ’ ve taken it all can distinguish between pneumonia and is not counted in the United States walking. From pneumonia. `` vaccination after recovering from pneumonia. `` cough, fever, pain! Who are in school are more likely to be infected with Chlamydia pneumoniae bacterium causing your pneumonia..... Is the most common cause of pneumonia and is not very easy to diagnose, because its mimic... Ignore professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment and recovery a common cold form of body! Not the small airways of the lungs walking pneumonia symptoms substances in the United States get infected year. Of infection in the beginning stages, walking pneumonia is sometimes referred to walking pneumonia is infection! Irritation, pain, mild chills and headache, a doctor for symptoms... Pneumonia and is not very easy to diagnose, because it ’ s milder! Be sure to take your antibiotic for the full prescribed period remedies ca n't treat,. Think you may also need to stay at home until his symptoms....