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Walking Pneumonia – Causes, Symptoms and TreatmentDr Pravallika Reddy, Consultant- Internal Medicine, Gleneagles Hospital Chennai !!

Walking Pneumonia – Causes, Symptoms and TreatmentDr Pravallika Reddy, Consultant- Internal Medicine, Gleneagles Hospital Chennai !!

Pneumonia is an infection of the lung tissue. Despite latest advancements we still face many challenges causing significant morbidity and complications. There is an extensive list of organisms causing pneumonia. Among the community acquired pneumonias we have the typical group of micro-organisms and the atypical group

Atypical pneumonia, also known as “walking pneumonia,” refers to a type of pneumonia that is not caused by the typical bacteria, Streptococcus pneumoniae, h influenza etc. Instead, it is caused by other bacteria, viruses, or fungi that can infect the lungs.

Causes

1. Mycoplasma pneumoniae: A common cause of atypical pneumonia, especially in school-aged children and young adults.

2. Chlamydophila pneumoniae: Another common cause of atypical pneumonia, often affecting adults.

3. Legionella pneumophila: Can cause severe atypical pneumonia, especially in people with weakened immune systems.

4. Influenza virus: Can cause atypical pneumonia, especially in older adults and people with underlying health conditions.

5. Fungal infections: Such as Pneumocystis jirovecii, can cause atypical pneumonia in people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms can usually vary from mild patterns like mild cough which is often dry and non-productive. Fever which is usually low grade

Fatigue which is Feeling tired and extreme weakness others like Headache and Sweating.

Muscle aches are also common, breathing difficulty is also common in severe conditions

Low oxygen levels without much complaints (silent hypoxia) may occur in rare cases

It is important that those at high risk of contracting the infection should take extra precautions. Those at high risk include age less than 2years and elderly more than 60years, those who have already existing lung diseases like asthma or chronic bronchitis who have chronic diseases like kidney diseases or autoimmune conditions, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or other conditions like cancer.

Such high-risk group of patients should visit the hospital immediately if any symptoms occur. The doctor may do a thorough assessment including physical examination and recommend some investigations like Chest X-ray which is used to visualize the lungs and detect any abnormalities. Blood test which can assess the severity of infection and may ask for a throat swab to check for specific type of infections

Treatment is initiated immediately after assessment. It includes Antibiotics which can treat bacterial causes of atypical pneumonia.

Antiviral medications: To treat viral causes of atypical pneumonia, along with rest and hydration to support the patient’s recovery

Complications are not seen commonly but in high-risk groups, there can be Respiratory failure which Can occur in severe cases, requiring mechanical ventilation, Sepsis Can occur if the infection spreads to the bloodstream. Cardiac complications Can occur, especially in people with underlying heart conditions.

As well said prevention is better than cure, practising some precautionary measures can help like Vaccination Getting vaccinated against flu and pneumococcal disease can help prevent atypical pneumonia.

Good hygiene: Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly, can help prevent the spread of infection.

Avoiding close contact, Avoiding close contact with people who are sick can help prevent the spread of infection.

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