(Walking Pneumonia)
Definition
Definition
Pneumonia is a lung infection. It can occur in people of all ages.
Atypical pneumonia is a mild form of the infection. Many with this type of pneumonia can continue normal activities while sick. It is also commonly known as walking pneumonia.
All types of pneumonia are potentially serious conditions. It will require care from your doctor.
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Causes
Causes
Atypical pneumonia may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. They tend to be different than the bacteria that cause more traditional forms of pneumonia.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your chance of atypical pneumonia include:
- Contact with someone who has an infection (mycoplasma and chlamydia)
- Exposure to water or soil that contains the bacteria (legionella)
- Living in closed communities, such as dormitories in boarding schools or colleges, nursing homes, and military barracks
- Cigarette smoking
- Lung disease
- Weakened immune system
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms of atypical pneumonia may include any of the following:
-
General signs of infection such as:
- Fever (mild)
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Chills
- Muscle aches and pains
-
Signs of respiratory infection such as:
- Cough that may produce phlegm
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fast breathing
- Sore throat
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite
- Headache
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Skin rash
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. To look for an infection or specific causes of the infection your doctor may ask for:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Blood cultures
- Sputum test
Your doctor may also need to take pictures of your lungs. This is done with a chest x-ray.
Pneumonia can cause problems with breathing. This may make it difficult for you to get enough oxygen. To measure the level of oxygen in your blood your doctor may do the following tests:
- Pulse oximetry
- Arterial blood gas
Treatment
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
Antibiotics
Atypical pneumonia can be treated with oral antibiotics. These medications are most often taken at home. However, more severe pneumonia may require antibiotics be delivered by IV in the hospital.
Oxygen
If you are severely ill from pneumonia, you may need extra oxygen. Some people need to be intubated if their lungs are not working well enough. This is the placement of a tube in your throat. It can provide pressure to help keep your lungs open while delivering oxygen.
Prevention
Prevention
To help reduce your chances of pneumonia:
- Use good hand-washing techniques.
- Avoid contact with other ill people.
- Get treatment for your chronic conditions.
RESOURCES:
National Institute for Allergies and Infectious Disease http://www.niaid.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
References:
Community-acquired pneumonia in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated March 25, 2013. Accessed April 2, 2013.
Cunha BA. The atypical pneumonias: Clinical diagnosis and importance. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2006;12(Suppl)3:12-24.
Cunha BA. Atypical pneumonias: Current clinical concepts focusing on Legionnaires’ disease. Curr Opin Pulm Med. 2008;14:183-194.
Types of pneumonia. National Heart Lung Blood Institute (NHLBI) website. Available at:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/pnu/types.html
Updated March 1, 2011. Accessed April 2, 2013.
Understanding pneumonia. American Lung Association website. Available at:
http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/pneumonia/understanding-pneumonia.html
Accessed April 2, 2013.
Thibodeau KP, Viera A.J. Atypical pathogens and challenges in community-acqiured pneumonia. Am Fam Physician. 2004;69:1699-1706.
Last Updated: 5/2/2014