Walking pneumonia is an informal term for a milder form of pneumonia, which can make it more difficult to detect because of its milder symptoms. Symptoms of walking pneumonia can vary from person to person and typically include a mild to moderate, dry cough, low-grade fever, malaise (feeling of general illness), and a mild chest discomfort.
It is sometimes referred to as “atypical pneumonia,” since the symptoms are usually too mild to be considered the classic signs of pneumonia. Because of this, walking pneumonia can sometimes be hard to detect.
Since walking pneumonia is caused by different types of organisms compared to classic or “typical” pneumonia, a physical exam and imaging tests, such as x-rays, may help your doctor make a diagnosis.
Additionally, a blood test or sputum test will be able to determine what is causing the infection. If walking pneumonia is suspected, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help you recover.
How long can walking pneumonia go undetected?
Walking pneumonia, also known as atypical pneumonia, is a lower severity form of the bacterial infection that can cause mild to moderate symptoms. This type of pneumonia often goes unnoticed unless a person has a lab test ordered to check for the condition.
If a person does not experience more severe symptoms, the infection may be walking pneumonia and can go undetected for up to several months.
It is important to note that even if a person has walking pneumonia, they can still be contagious and spread it to others. It is possible to spread the infection as long as a person has the bacterial infection, even if they are not showing any symptoms.
The length of communicability depends on the person, with the typical timeframe being 2 weeks after the start of their symptoms. However, if their symptoms are mild and they do not seek medical treatment, this communicability period can be extended.
Additionally, many cases of walking pneumonia do not require medical treatment, and can resolve on their own, with the infection dissipating after a few weeks. If the individual experiences very mild symptoms, it can go undetected for a longer period of time, especially in cases where the diagnosis is not confirmed.
All in all, walking pneumonia can go undetected for several months if a person does not have severe symptoms and does not have the condition tested for. It is important to contact a medical professional if the individual experiences any symptoms of pneumonia, such as a cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, or an overall lack of energy.
How long can you have walking pneumonia without knowing it?
You can have walking pneumonia without knowing it for quite some time. The symptoms of walking pneumonia are usually much milder than those of other types of pneumonia and can often be confused with those of the common cold or flu.
Because the symptoms are much more mild, it’s not uncommon for patients to put off seeing a doctor. Depending on the specific type of pneumonia, the symptoms can last for several weeks to months without a diagnosis or treatment.
In some cases, walking pneumonia can linger for up to 3 months without realizing it. Additionally, because the symptoms can be hard to discern from other illnesses, a diagnosis may take longer due to misdiagnosis.
If you suspect you have pneumonia, it’s important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatments.
What are the first signs of walking pneumonia?
The early signs of walking pneumonia can be similar to a cold or flu, such as fever, chills, cough, muscular aches, and fatigue. As the infection progresses, the cough can become severe and is often accompanied by nasal congestion.
Other common symptoms of walking pneumonia include sore throat, headache, chest pain, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath, loss of appetite, and sweating. In some cases, the infection can lead to the development of a rash or even hives, especially in children.
Seek medical help if any of these symptoms last more than 10 days or if they worsen and are accompanied by shortness of breath.
How do you rule out walking pneumonia?
In order to rule out walking pneumonia, your doctor will typically start by asking you questions about your medical history, and your current symptoms. He or she will most likely take a physical exam and also order tests to make an accurate diagnosis.
Possible tests may include a chest X-ray, lung function tests and a culture of sputum, which can be examined for bacteria, viruses or other organisms. Blood tests may also be ordered, which can determine if your white blood cell counts are high and other markers suggest an infection.
Another diagnostic possibility is a bronchoscopy, during which a thin, lighted tube is inserted through your nose or mouth in order to examine the airways and collect secretions to be tested. Depending on the specific results of your tests, your doctor may recommend a specific course of treatment.
How do I know if I have walking pneumonia or bronchitis?
If you think you may have walking pneumonia or bronchitis, then it is important to seek medical advice from your doctor. Common symptoms of both conditions can include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, coughing (which may produce mucus/phlegm) and a sore throat.
Other symptoms that may help differentiate between bronchitis and pneumonia can include:
• Bronchitis – generally has a wet, productive cough with mucus/phlegm, sudden onset of yellow, green or grayish sputum (spit or mucus coughed up from the lungs), fever with chills, and some muscle pain.
• Pneumonia – generally has a dry, hacking cough with no mucus/phlegm, sudden onset of bloody or rusty-colored sputum, fever with chills, extreme fatigue, chest pain and sweats.
Your doctor will be able to perform a physical examination and any diagnostic testing necessary to determine whether you have walking pneumonia or bronchitis. It is important to be diagnosed correctly so your doctor can provide you with the appropriate treatment.
Should I go to the ER for walking pneumonia?
The answer to this question depends on how you are feeling and what your symptoms are. If you are experiencing mild symptoms such as a low-grade fever, headache, dry cough, and sore throat, you may not need to go to the ER for walking pneumonia.
However, if your symptoms are more severe such as shortness of breath, chest pain, high fever, and fatigue, you should seek medical attention and go to the ER as soon as possible.
When it comes to pneumonia, it’s best to err on the side of caution. If your symptoms are worsening, you’re having difficulty breathing, or your fever is unusually high, you should go to the ER. Your doctor can assess your symptoms and decide the best course of treatment.
They may suggest medication, tests, or overnight care to help you get better.
It’s important to take care of yourself if you have any signs of walking pneumonia. Tell your doctor if your symptoms don’t go away or if they get worse. Early treatment can help prevent more serious health problems.
What does a pneumonia cough sound like?
A pneumonia cough sounds different than a regular cough. It is usually dry and sharp, rather than the deep, almost hollow, chesty sound heard with a normal chest cold. The sound is sometimes described as a “barking” noise and is often accompanied by difficulty breathing and labored breathing.
It is also sometimes accompanied by a thick sputum, which is evidence of infection. The coughing can cause pain in the chest area and sometimes the fever and fatigue that are associated with pneumonia can make it worse.
It is important to see a healthcare provider if you think you might have pneumonia, especially if you have a fever, difficulty breathing, or if the coughing persists for more than a week.
Is it possible to have pneumonia and not know it?
Yes, it is possible to have pneumonia and not know it. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs in which the air sacs become inflamed and filled with fluid or pus. Symptoms of pneumonia can be mild, making it difficult to diagnose.
Symptoms may include a fever, coughing, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and fatigue. People who have mild pneumonia may not seek medical attention because the symptoms are not severe enough to cause alarm.
Others may think the symptoms are related to another illness and not realize that their symptoms point to pneumonia. To diagnose pneumonia, your doctor will typically order a chest X-ray, which can show inflammation and an accumulation of fluid in the lungs.
If pneumonia is suspected, a sputum culture and/or blood tests may be ordered to identify the cause of the infection.
Can pneumonia go undetected for a long time?
Pneumonia can go undetected for a long time, particularly if the individual does not experience any symptoms. This is especially true for cases of atypical pneumonia, which are caused by bacteria that do not present with the usual signs and symptoms.
Atypical pneumonia can often cause respiratory symptoms that are mild and nonspecific and not severe enough for an individual to seek medical attention. Therefore, pneumonia can be difficult to detect without proper screening, such as chest x-rays, and can remain undiagnosed and untreated for a long time.
In some cases, pneumonia can remain asymptomatic and undetected for several months before the individual begins to experience respiratory symptoms. Additionally, complications from pneumonia can arise even when the infection is not properly identified and treated, so it is important to seek medical attention even if the individual is not experiencing any specific symptoms.
Can a doctor tell if you have pneumonia just by listening to your lungs?
In most cases, a doctor can tell if you may have pneumonia by listening to your lungs with a stethoscope. This typically involves auscultation, which is the practice of listening to the chest for sounds like crackles, wheezes, and rales (also called rhonchi).
During auscultation, a doctor inspects each lung separately, listening to both your inhale and exhale. If they do hear any of these abnormal lung sounds, they may order additional tests to get a more accurate diagnosis, such as a chest x-ray or other imaging test, tests on your breathing, or a lab analysis of mucous or sputum.
In some cases, a doctor may diagnose pneumonia simply by these tests and a clinical exam, while in others they may require a sample of your blood, urine or sputum to look for bacterial or viral growth.
How is silent pneumonia diagnosed?
Silent pneumonia typically cannot be diagnosed through physical symptoms alone. To diagnose silent pneumonia, a doctor may perform several tests. A chest x-ray is often ordered to help diagnose ailments in the chest, including infections and pneumonia.
A doctor may also order a computed tomography (CT) scan, which is even more detailed and may be able to detect pneumonia not visible on an x-ray. A pulmonary function test may also be used to help diagnose silent pneumonia by measuring the amount of air that can be inhaled and exhaled, as well as the speed at which air moves through the lungs.
Based on the results of these tests, alongside a physical examination of the patient, a doctor can determine whether pneumonia is present and the cause of the symptoms.
Can your lungs sound clear with pneumonia?
No, people with pneumonia typically have abnormal lung sounds because their lungs are filled with fluid or pus. When a doctor listens to a patient’s chest with a stethoscope, they usually hear crackles, wheezes, or decreased air entry.
While some of these sounds may not be audible to the human ear, they can often be heard using specialized machinery such as auscultation. Additionally, blood tests, x-rays, and ultrasounds can be used to diagnose pneumonia.
Because of these changes in the lungs, your lungs will not sound clear with pneumonia.
How do I check myself for pneumonia?
The best way to check yourself for pneumonia is to pay attention to any signs or symptoms that you may be experiencing. These can include a persistent cough, with or without mucus or phlegm; chest pain; fatigue; fever; and difficulty breathing.
If you have any of these issues, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis. Your doctor may order tests such as a chest x-ray, blood work, or a sputum culture to confirm pneumonia and determine which type you have.
They may also perform a physical exam to look for areas of swelling and redness on your chest and listen to your lungs to check for abnormal sounds that may sound like crackling, wheezing, or rumbling.
Treatment will depend on the type of pneumonia and the severity, but often includes antibiotics, rest, and over-the-counter medications to relieve pain and fever.
Can you hear walking pneumonia with a stethoscope?
Yes, you can use a stethoscope to hear a person’s lungs when they have walking pneumonia. When listening to a person’s lungs with a stethoscope, a doctor is usually looking for any sounds of congestion, including crackles, which are popping or bubbling sounds.
Sounds may indicate fluid or mucus in the airway for a diagnosis of walking pneumonia. Other signs of walking pneumonia include wheezing and rapid breathing. The breathing rate may also increase when the person is trying to talk, making it easier for a doctor to hear the sounds of walking pneumonia.