Walking Pneumonia or Just Sick?

Pneumonia is a generally one of the most common respiratory infections worldwide.  An easily treatable condition that usually does not require the use of medications.  The three most common symptoms are cough, fever and difficulty breathing. The most common types are bacterial, viral, fungal, hospital-acquired and walking pneumonia.

Walking Pneumonia is commonly defined as a mild case of bacterial pneumonia.   This classifies it as an infection of the respiratory tract, caused by bacteria. The most common bacteria that causes walking pneumonia is mycoplasma pneumonia.  The symptoms are the least severe of any forms of the disease, and could exist within an individual without any apparent signs. This makes it difficult for a person to feel the difference between that of a common cold, and something more serious akin to walking pneumonia.  For instance, mistaking a sore throat and coughing for a cold when in fact it is something much more serious.

These symptoms are considered the most common in both cases. However, the two have other characteristic symptoms that will help you to determine the difference between the two conditions. For example, walking pneumonia causes trouble breathing, fever, and loss of appetite among other symptoms. On the other hand, the common cold causes sneezing and a blocked or runny nose to occur. The two share certain symptoms, and are independent of one another in other emerging symptoms.

            Regardless of the severity of symptoms, their presence should be reported to a doctor. The doctor will diagnose the condition and advise you on how to proceed with treatment moving forward, as well prevention advice. 

 The sign post that will help you recognize the presence of walking pneumonia, directly relates to the symptoms. Risk catalysts for walking pneumonia include smoking, children under two years of age, people older than 65, and those who are currently suffering from other conditions in hospitals. Understanding the difference in symptoms between walking pneumonia and the common cold is paramount when diagnosing the condition.  Having knowledge and knowing the difference between the two, will either save you the trip, or present you with an opportunity to see a doctor. 

Related: Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia