Walking pneumonia can be diagnosed through a physical examination and lab tests. During the physical exam, your doctor will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope and may order a chest X-ray or CT scan to further assess your condition.
Lab tests are also used to confirm the diagnosis and help your doctor determine the exact cause. Common tests include a sputum culture or analysis, blood tests, and a throat swab. A sputum culture will look for the presence of bacteria or fungi in your mucus, while a blood test can check for a low white blood cell count or abnormal levels of certain antibodies.
A throat swab can be used to identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection. Depending on the results, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic or other medication to help you recover.
What are the first signs of walking pneumonia?
The first signs of walking pneumonia can vary greatly depending on the individual. Some of the most common symptoms to look out for include fatigue, a dry cough, mild fever, chest tenderness, or a low-grade fever.
Other symptoms that can accompany walking pneumonia include headache, chills, body aches, sore throat, shortness of breath, wheezing, and a decreased appetite. If you experience any of these symptoms and suspect that you may have walking pneumonia, it is important to talk to your doctor for a diagnosis and possible treatment.
Your doctor will likely order tests such as chest x-rays or throat cultures to confirm a diagnosis.
Will walking pneumonia go away without antibiotics?
Yes, walking pneumonia can go away without antibiotics. Walking pneumonia is a milder form of pneumonia and typically lasts three to six weeks and can resolve without the use of antibiotics. Treatment typically involves rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications to reduce fever, pain, and cough.
It is important to practice good hygiene (such as frequent hand washing and covering your mouth when you cough and sneeze), avoid close contact with others, and get plenty of rest. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse, it is important to seek medical care.
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics if the cause of your walking pneumonia is bacterial.
How long does it take to show symptoms of walking pneumonia?
It typically takes between two and three weeks for symptoms to appear after initial exposure to Walking Pneumonia. Symptoms usually develop gradually and may include any of the following: mild fever, cough that may produce mucus, chills, chest pain, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and loss of appetite.
In some cases, a person may experience shortness of breath and tightness in the chest. It is important to note that the symptoms can vary depending on the person and the strain of bacteria that they have been exposed to.
Should I go to the ER for walking pneumonia?
It depends on your symptoms. Walking pneumonia is usually a milder form of pneumonia that can be treated at home. However, if you are having difficulty breathing, chest pain or signs of severe illness, you should seek immediate medical attention at the ER.
If you wait and your condition worsens, you may risk having more severe health issues. If you go to the ER, you can get a physical exam, medications, lab tests and other treatments that may be necessary.
Also, discuss with your doctor if you have any medical conditions that may be affected by walking pneumonia such as asthma, heart problems, diabetes, or COPD. Be sure to also inform your doctor of any recent travel or any contact you may have had with anyone with respiratory infections.
How do you treat walking pneumonia in adults at home?
Treating walking pneumonia at home generally follows a similar pattern for adults and children alike. For adults, the most important thing is rest and relaxation. To alleviate symptoms, adults should get plenty of rest and drink extra fluids.
Staying adequately hydrated helps thin out the mucus so that it doesn’t accumulate in the lungs, thus reducing pressure. If pain and inflammation are present, adults can benefit from taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (e.g., ibuprofen) or acetaminophen.
Some people find that a cool mist humidifier can make breathing easier.
Over-the-counter cough medications can be used to control coughing and loosen mucus. Decongestants, if used in moderation and with physician guidance, can also help alleviate symptoms. Inhaled steroids, such as budesonide, can be considered if the condition is severe and not responding well to other therapies.
Antibiotics, while not always necessary, may be prescribed depending on the cause of the pneumonia.
When it comes to dietary recommendations, adults may find that eating smaller, more frequent meals helps to manage their symptoms. A balanced diet full of essential vitamins and minerals is also essential for recovery.
In addition, try to limit alcohol and caffeine intake since these can both further dehydrate the body. Finally, simple lifestyle modifications such as avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing stress can all help to promote healing.
What will a doctor prescribe for walking pneumonia?
A doctor is likely to prescribe an antibiotic to treat walking pneumonia, as well as other medications to reduce symptoms and help the patient recover. The specific antibiotic will be based on the type of bacteria causing the infection and the patient’s health condition.
For mild cases, a doctor might prescribe an oral antibiotic such as amoxicillin, clarithromycin, or azithromycin. For more serious cases, the doctor may prescribe something like ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin.
Additionally, the doctor might prescribe one or more of the following medications to reduce symptoms and aid in recovery: over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, an inhaled bronchodilator to open airways and lessen coughing, and/or antiviral medications to reduce the duration of symptoms.
Furthermore, a doctor may recommend rest and plenty of fluids while the patient is being treated.
What can happen if walking pneumonia goes untreated?
If walking pneumonia goes untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as a fungal infection, lung abscess, meningitis, and development of chronic respiratory conditions. In some cases, untreated walking pneumonia can also become more serious and lead to life-threatening illnesses such as sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and concominant complications from the primary infection.
Additionally, leaving walking pneumonia untreated can generally cause further irritation and inflammation of the bronchi and lead to progressive worsening critical of the lungs and lowered immunity to other infections or illnesses.
Therefore, it is important to seek early medical treatment to inhibit the progression of walking pneumonia and facilitate prompt resolution of the primary infection.
Is walking pneumonia life threatening?
No, walking pneumonia is usually a milder form of pneumonia that is caused by a bacterium called Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It is typically not life-threatening unless other risk factors are present. Walking pneumonia typically presents with mild symptoms such as fever, cough, chest discomfort, muscle aches, and fatigue.
It can be very unpleasant and may cause difficulty breathing, but it is not generally considered a major health risk or a life-threatening condition. Most cases can be managed simply with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medication, although more serious cases may require a doctor’s treatment.
Additionally, if underlying conditions such as asthma or COPD are present, walking pneumonia may cause more serious complications, so it is important to speak to your doctor if you suspect you have it.
How do I know if I have walking pneumonia or bronchitis?
The most common symptom of walking pneumonia is a persistent deep chest cough that produces yellow, green or gray-colored mucus. It may also be accompanied by chest discomfort and shortness of breath.
In contrast, bronchitis usually causes a dry, hacking cough, shortness of breath and mild chest pain. Both conditions can also cause fever, body aches and fatigue, making it difficult to distinguish between the two.
In order to definitively diagnose your condition it is best to seek medical attention so you can be correctly evaluated and treated. Your doctor will likely perform a physical examination, listening to your chest with a stethoscope and may also order chest X-rays and lab tests.
