Have a cough that just won’t go away? It might be walking pneumonia

While it typically doesn’t require intensive treatment, understanding the distinctions can help you manage symptoms and seek proper care when needed. Dr Vikas Mittal, Pulmonologist at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, provides insights into walking pneumonia’s symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

What is walking pneumonia?

Walking pneumonia is a less severe type of pneumonia characterised by a localised infection in the lungs. Unlike typical pneumonia, patients with walking pneumonia usually don’t need hospital care and may continue with daily activities despite mild discomfort.

According to Dr Mittal, common symptoms include a low-grade fever, persistent cough, slight sputum production, and occasional shortness of breath. Blood pressure, pulse rate, and oxygen levels generally remain stable, setting it apart from more intense cases of pneumonia. A white patch on a chest X-ray often identifies walking pneumonia, highlighting lung inflammation.

Causes of walking pneumonia

This type of pneumonia is primarily caused by atypical bacteria like Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila. While it affects younger people more often, anyone exposed to these bacteria can contract it.

For those diagnosed with walking pneumonia, antibiotics prescribed by a doctor are crucial for a complete recovery (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Dr Mittal said risk factors include poor nutrition, lack of sleep, exposure to air pollutants, and viral infections. Walking pneumonia commonly affects individuals with stronger immune systems, so it often manifests with milder symptoms.

Walking pneumonia vs. the common cold

Dr Mittal explained that while walking pneumonia and the common cold share some overlapping symptoms, such as coughing, mild fever, and fatigue, they also have key differences.

Walking pneumonia is a bacterial infection affecting the lungs, while the common cold is a viral infection that typically impacts only the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat).

An X-ray can reveal the presence of pneumonia, while the common cold rarely presents signs visible on imaging. The main distinction is in treatment: walking pneumonia requires antibiotics that target atypical bacteria, while the common cold generally resolves independently and does not need antibiotics.

Treatment and prevention tips

Dr Mittal said that antibiotics prescribed by a doctor are crucial for a complete recovery for those diagnosed with walking pneumonia. Here are preventive steps to reduce the risk of contracting walking pneumonia:

• Maintain a Balanced Diet: A diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports immune function.
• Rest and Sleep: Proper rest boosts your body’s natural defenses.
• Regular Exercise: Physical activity strengthens the immune system, reducing infection vulnerability.
• Avoid Air Pollutants and Infections: Limiting exposure to pollutants and practicing good hygiene are essential to reducing the risk of respiratory infections.

By understanding these key differences and focusing on a healthy lifestyle, you can better manage your respiratory health and seek the appropriate treatment when symptoms arise.