What is walking pneumonia?
Walking pneumonia simply means you have pneumonia but a mild case of it. The term "walking" refers to the fact that many people walk around with pneumonia and are not aware they have it. Because the symptoms are mild, they usually don't require treatment.
The symptoms of walking pneumonia include:
- Symptoms that occur quickly
- Cough with mucus
- Fever under 101 degrees
- Rash
- Shortness of breath
- Chills
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
- Weakness
- Faster heartbeat
Some people also get muscle ache, headache, sore throat and sinus infection.
How do you know if you have walking pneumonia?
You don't. If the symptoms persist, see a doctor. Only a doctor can diagnose whether or not you have walking pneumonia or a more serious case of pneumonia. The problem is that there are many types of pneumonia, and many causes, such as bacteria, virus, fungi, parasites, and chemicals. The only way to know for sure and receive the proper treatment is to see your family physician. Your doctor will be able to tell if you have walking pneumonia or a more severe case of pneumonia such a double pneumonia (in both lungs) or a lobar pneumonia that is concentrated in one or more lobes of the lung. These are more serious and need to be treated right away.
