Walking pneumonia is a mild form of pneumonia. Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes your airways to swell, and the air sacs in your lungs to fill with mucus and other fluids. It can also cause a high fever and a cough with mucus.
A cold lasting longer than seven to ten days, especially with a cough that gets worse over time is often a sign of walking pneumonia. Other symptoms may include:
· A fever of 101 degrees F or below
· Fatigue
· Headache, chills, sore throat, and other cold or flu-like symptoms
· Fast breathing or breathing with grunting or wheezing sounds
· Labored breathing that makes rib muscles retract
· Ear pain
· Chest or stomach pain
· Malaise or feeling of discomfort
· Vomiting
· Loss of appetite
· Rash
· Joint pain
Symptoms can come on suddenly or take longer to start. The symptoms are often mild, but can sometimes be more severe
Most children with walking pneumonia don’t feel sick enough to stay home, but even a child who feels fine should stay home for a few days until antibiotic treatment kicks in and symptoms improve
Walking pneumonia symptoms usually depend on where the infection is concentrated. A child with an infection in the top or middle part of the lungs will probably have labored breathing. A child with an infection in the lower part of the lungs may have no breathing problems but may have an upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting.
Walking pneumonia is often caused by bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Other bacteria, viruses, or mold can also cause it.
Doctors usually diagnose walking pneumonia by performing an exam. They will check a child’s breathing and listen for a crackling sound that often indicates walking pneumonia. If needed, a chest x-ray or test of mucus samples from the child’s throat or nose will be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.
Walking pneumonia is treated with antibiotics because they are an effective treatment. A five to ten-day course of oral antibiotics is usually recommended. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, make sure your child takes them on schedule for as long as directed to recover more quickly.
To schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.