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Walking pneumonia (a.k.a. mycoplasma pneumonia or atypical pneumonia) is a term used to describe a mild case of pneumonia. It is a lung infection that is caused by the mycoplasma pneumoniae organism. Walking pneumonia is different from other types of pneumonia in that, even if untreated, walking pneumonia would not cause a person to be confined to a bed or require a hospital stay.

Signs and Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia

Signs and symptoms of walking pneumonia usually include a severe cough, fever, abdominal pain, headaches, and chills. (See a full list of possible signs and symptoms of walking pneumonia.)

Cause of Walking Pneumonia

Mycoplasma pneumoniae, the organism that causes walking pneumonia, can be contagious if contact with the infected person is prolonged. Walking pneumonia is transmitted through airborne droplets, which are dispersed when a person talks, sneezes, coughs or laughs.

The Onset of Walking Pneumonia

The onset of walking pneumonia takes approximately 1 to 3 weeks, beginning gradually, with the earliest sign being a decrease in energy. Soon thereafter, cold-like symptoms begin. You will be able to distinguish the difference between walking pneumonia and a common cold because walking pneumonia will get worse over 2 weeks.

What to Expect with Walking Pneumonia

You may experience a fever, sore throat, runny nose or other cold-like symptoms. You may also notice that you cough gets worse at night. This is because fluid accumulates in your lungs and moves up higher in the respiratory tract when lying flat. To alleviate your cough, prop up your head slightly so your upper body is at an incline.

Treatment for Walking Pneumonia

Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics for your walking pneumonia. Any number of antibiotics may be prescribed, but the most common antibiotics for walking pneumonia are erythromycin, clarithromycin, and tetracyclines. As the antibiotics fight the infection, you will gradually get better over the next week.

More information about pneumonia

Source: MayoClinic.com
Updated: 12/08/05