What happens if you have walking pneumonia

It causes the air sacs alveoli of the lungs to get inflamed irritated and swollen. They may fill up with fluid or pus. This causes a variety of symptoms, which range from mild to severe. Pneumonia is usually caused by bacteria or a virus.

It also can be caused by fungi or irritants that you breathe into your lungs. How serious pneumonia is depends on many factors. These include what caused the pneumonia, your age, and your overall health.

The symptoms of pneumonia can range from mild to severe. This depends on your risk factors and the type of pneumonia you have. Common symptoms are similar to the symptoms caused by a cold or the flu.

They include:. You may also sweat, have a headache, and feel very tired. Some people also experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If any of these symptoms are severe, call your family doctor. You should also call your doctor if you suddenly start getting worse after having a cold or the flu. Walking pneumonia is a mild case of pneumonia. It is often caused by a virus or the mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria.

When you have walking pneumonia, your symptoms may not be as severe or last as long as someone who has a more serious case of pneumonia. You can also get pneumonia through aspiration. This is when you inhale particles into your lungs. These could be food, saliva, liquids, or vomit. It occurs most often after vomiting, and you are not strong enough to cough the particles out.

The particles cause irritation, swelling and can get infected. This causes pneumonia. Pneumonia can sometimes be hard to diagnose because the symptoms are the same as for a bad cold or flu. If you think it could be pneumonia, you should see your doctor. Your doctor may diagnose pneumonia based on your medical history and the results from a physical exam. He or she will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. Your doctor may also do some tests, such as a chest X-ray or a blood test.

A chest X-ray can show your doctor if you have pneumonia and how widespread the infection is. Blood and mucus tests can help your doctor tell whether bacteria, a virus, or a fungal organism is causing your pneumonia. These help prevent pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria. The first is recommended for all children younger than 5 years of age.

The second is recommended for anyone age 2 or older who is at increased risk for pneumonia. Getting the pneumonia vaccine is especially important if you:. But they can make it less likely that people who are at risk will experience the severe, and possibly life-threatening, complications of pneumonia. Treatment for pneumonia depends on several factors. These include what caused your pneumonia, how severe your symptoms are, how healthy you are overall, and your age. For bacterial pneumonia, your doctor will probably prescribe antibiotics.

Most of your symptoms should improve within a few days. Chlamydial pneumonia: Children who are in school are more likely to be infected with Chlamydia pneumoniae bacterium. It mostly affects older adults, those with chronic illnesses, and weakened immune systems. About 5, cases are found each year in the United States. You may not visit a doctor for your symptoms. However, one of the ways a doctor can confirm the diagnosis of pneumonia is if you get a chest X-ray.

A chest X-ray can distinguish between pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses, such as acute bronchitis. If you do visit your doctor for your symptoms, your doctor will also:. Walking pneumonia is contagious when infected. A person can typically only infect others during the day period of when his or her symptoms are most severe.

You can generally recover from atypical pneumonia on your own. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotic therapy only if you have bacterial pneumonia. Some patients with atypical pneumonia severe atypical pneumonia due to Legionella pneumophila require hospitalization for antibiotic therapy and support.

You may also need to stay at the hospital if you belong in one of the high-risk groups. During your stay at the hospital, you may receive antibiotic therapy, intravenous fluid, and respiratory therapy, if you have trouble breathing. This condition is rarely serious and may go away on its own in a few weeks.

You can encourage recovery by getting enough rest and fluids at home. If you do end up visiting the doctor, you may receive an antibiotic, which will shorten the time it takes to recover. Be sure to take your antibiotic for the full prescribed period.

Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised.

A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Request Appointment. Walking pneumonia: What does it mean? Products and services. What is walking pneumonia? How is it different from regular pneumonia? Answer From Eric J. Olson, M. But encourage everyone in your household to wash their hands well and often.

Don't let your child share drinking glasses, eating utensils, towels, or toothbrushes. Wash your hands after touching any used tissues. Also make sure that your kids are up to date on their immunizations to help protect them from other infections. Your child should drink fluids throughout the day, especially if he or she has a fever. Ask the doctor before you use a medicine to treat a cough. Cough suppressants stop the lungs from clearing mucus, which might not be helpful for lung infections like walking pneumonia.

If your child has chest pain, try placing a heating pad or warm compress on the area. Take your child's temperature at least once each morning and each evening.