Friday, August 5, 2016

Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia

Pneumonia


Pneumonia is a treatable infection of the respiratory tract.  Its symptoms are consitently confused with the common cold including fever, cough, and trouble breathing.  Depending on the cause, there are several types charcterized by different attributes.  Bacterial pneumonia is the most common type, caused by an infection with certain bacteria. Viral pneumonia is caused by certain viruses, and fungal pneumonia, which is the least common type, is caused by certain fungi.  Hospital-acquired pneumonia, is indavertantly aquired in hospitals, as it houses many different infections which are airborne. These represent the most common forms of the disease.

Walking pneumonia is the least dangerous type of the illness, unlike bacterial pneumonia, which is considered the most serious manifestation of the disease. Being unaware of the presence of such a disease can have massive repercussions in even the most dosile forms of pneumonia.


What causes it?

Walking pneumonia, also known as atypical pneumonia, is best described as a mild case of bacterial pneumonia. Certain bacteria enter your respiratory tract causing inflammation and the emergence of related symptoms. The most common cause for walking pneumonia is considered to be mycoplasma pneumoniae. The bacteria that causes walking pneumonia easily spreads through the air affecting a large number of people in a small amount of time.


So what are the symptoms?


     Persistent nonproductive (dry) cough, especially at night
     Fever, however not too high
     Trouble breathing, shortness of breath
     Fatigue/tiredness
     Weight loss due to loss of appetite
     Diarrhea
     Sore throat

If you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms, do not hesitate to visit a doctor.  Schedule an appointment, especially if symptoms persist or worsen over time.

What is the treatment?

Walking pneumonia is just as easily treated as other forms of the disease. Porported symptoms can be veiled at best, and properly recognizing symptoms will benefit greatly when undergoing diagnosis.  In cases where the symptoms are reported to the doctor, he or she can prescribe medications to help relieve symptoms and share relevant advice to include in your everyday life.  While dealing with walking pneumonia, make sure you get enough rest, drink plenty of fluids and eat as healthy as possible.  Taking these steps will ensure a quick recovery.