Walking pneumonia is a relatively mild and common type of pneumonia. The most common cause is the bacteria mycoplasma pneumoniae. The good news is that most mild cases can be treated with rest, over-the-counter medications, and home remedies.
To get rid of walking pneumonia, your doctor will likely recommend antibiotics to help fight the infection. Antibiotics are very effective in treating this type of pneumonia, and you may need to take them for 5 to 14 days.
Make sure to take the full course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, even if you start to feel better before you finish the medication.
While on antibiotics, it’s important to get plenty of rest and plenty of fluids to help the body fight off the infection. You can also use a humidifier in your home to help reduce the coughing and congestion associated with pneumonia.
Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen may also provide some relief from the coughing and sore throat associated with the infection.
It may also help to take supplements such as zinc and vitamin C to boost your immune system and help your body fight off the pneumonia-causing bacteria. Try to avoid contact with anyone who has the infection and limit your time outside in cold and congested places.
In general, walking pneumonia is a mild, treatable form of the disease and with proper rest, over-the-counter medications, and antibiotics, you should be on your way to recovery in no time.
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How long does it take for walking pneumonia to go away?
It typically takes between two to three weeks for walking pneumonia to go away. However, the severity of the condition and other factors such as the patient’s age, overall health, and the type of pneumonia, can all affect how long the symptoms last.
It’s important to note that even after the symptoms of walking pneumonia have gone away, residual symptoms such as weakness and a mild cough may persist for up to several weeks. Additionally, it’s important for individuals who have recovered from walking pneumonia to get plenty of rest, eat nutritious meals, and ensure they are taking their medications as prescribed by their doctor.
This will help to ensure that a full recovery is achieved in the shortest amount of time possible.
What is the fastest way to cure walking pneumonia?
The fastest way to cure walking pneumonia is to see a doctor right away and get a proper diagnosis. Your doctor will likely prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection, which should work quickly to reduce the symptoms and help you recover.
Along with taking the antibiotic as directed, you can also help speed up the healing process by getting plenty of rest, drinking lots of fluids, and eating nutritious meals. Other home remedies such as using a humidifier to add moisture to the air, taking over-the-counter pain medications to relieve symptoms, and gargling with salt water can also help you feel better and promote healing.
Additionally, avoiding contact with others and avoiding smoke and irritating fumes will help you recover quicker.
Does walking pneumonia get worse before it gets better?
Walking pneumonia—also called atypical pneumonia—can improve within one to three weeks, with full recovery usually occurring within four weeks. And the timeline and severity of symptoms may vary depending on the specific type, age, and overall health of the patient.
Generally, walking pneumonia has a slower progression than other types of pneumonia and is considered to be more mild, though symptoms like fatigue and body aches can still make it difficult to be comfortable.
In some cases, symptoms may worsen before getting better. If it seems like symptoms are getting worse or if a person is having difficulty breathing or is experiencing chest pain, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the pneumonia, or they may recommend further tests, including imaging tests and blood tests. While it is natural to want to wait and see if symptoms get better on their own, seeking medical attention right away can help to speed up recovery time.
Can pneumonia get better then get worse?
Yes, pneumonia can get better then get worse. This phenomenon is called ‘recurrence’. This can occur when the underlying cause of the pneumonia is not completely treated. For example, it is not uncommon for individuals who suffer from a bacterial form of pneumonia to appear to improve, only to relapse if the full course of antibiotics was not taken, allowing the bacteria to re-establish a presence in the body, causing a relapse.
Additionally, reinfection can occur in cases where the source of the original infection, such as a virus, is still present and a new, second infection occurs. In severe cases, auto-immune and immunosuppression related complications due to the pneumonia can also cause a relapse.
It is important to mention that the chances of recurrence increase if the individual does not take the full course of medications and therapies prescribed by their doctor and follow through with prescribed lifestyle and nutritional changes.
Can walking pneumonia turn into something worse?
Yes, walking pneumonia can turn into something worse. The bacteria that cause walking pneumonia (Mycoplasma pneumoniae) can cause severe infections in people who are immunocompromised, the elderly, or very young children.
While walking pneumonia typically presents milder symptoms than other forms of pneumonia, it can still cause severe lung damage or lead to complications like meningitis or sepsis. In order for walking pneumonia to worsen, an underlying medical condition may contribute to it and make it difficult for the person to recover.
If a person develops a high fever, is coughing up blood, or short of breath, they may need to go to the hospital to receive treatment in order to prevent the infection from becoming more severe. It is important to speak with a doctor if symptoms of walking pneumonia worsen in order to ensure prompt treatment.
Can pneumonia get worse suddenly?
Yes, pneumonia can get worse suddenly. This is known as para-cursals, which occurs when a patient’s condition suddenly deteriorates, requiring a rapid change in treatment. Possible causes of para-cursals in pneumonia can include respiratory distress syndrome, a worsening of underlying illnesses, the development of complications, or an increase in the severity of the pneumonia itself.
Symptoms of para-cursal worsening may include chest pain, breathlessness, a high fever, confusion, a rapid heart rate, and a decline in alertness. In order to appropriately treat this complication, your doctor may order chest x-rays, bloodwork, and/or a CT scan to get a clearer picture of the pneumonia.
Depending on the severity of the worsening, treatment may include antibiotics, oxygen therapy, possible hospitalization, and other medical interventions. If you are experiencing a sudden decline in your condition and you are concerned it could be related to pneumonia, get in touch with your doctor right away.
What if walking pneumonia goes untreated?
If walking pneumonia goes untreated, the symptoms may last for an extended period of time, with the person feeling unwell for weeks or months. This can lead to a loss of function at work or school since they will be too ill to perform normal activities.
Additionally, there is a risk of the infection becoming worse and developing into a more severe form of pneumonia, which could lead to hospitalization. Common complications of untreated pneumonia include lung abscesses, septic shock, and respiratory failure, any of which can be life-threatening.
It is therefore important to seek medical attention for a suspected case of pneumonia in order to receive treatment and prevent the condition from worsening.
When should I worry about walking pneumonia?
You should worry about walking pneumonia if you experience any symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue, chills, fever, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or a persistent cough that produces mucus or phlegm for longer than two weeks.
If your symptoms seem to be getting worse, it is also important to contact your doctor as walking pneumonia can become serious if left untreated. It is especially important to seek medical care if you are experiencing other symptoms such as weight loss, bloody mucus, confusion, or extreme weakness.
Should I go to the hospital for walking pneumonia?
The decision to go to the hospital for walking pneumonia depends on several factors. It is important to assess how severe your symptoms are, as well as any other underlying medical conditions you might have.
In most cases, walking pneumonia can be managed at home with rest and appropriate over-the-counter medications. It is important to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid strenuous activities while recovering from walking pneumonia.
If the symptoms are severe or seem to be getting worse, you may need to seek medical attention at an urgent care center or your primary care doctor. Furthermore, if you have other serious medical conditions, it’s especially important to seek prompt medical attention as complications can occur with walking pneumonia.
It’s also important to consult with your medical provider if you develop a high fever or if your symptoms do not improve after a few days.
What does a pneumonia cough sound like?
A pneumonia cough usually sounds like a wet, productive cough, with a hacking or chesty quality to it. It can sound like someone is trying to expel mucus from their throat and lungs. Common symptoms of pneumonia can include a chesty cough with thick, discolored mucus, difficulty breathing, and chest pains.
The cough can also come with a fever, chills, and general fatigue. If left untreated, pneumonia can be a very serious illness, so it’s important to see a doctor if any of these symptoms arise.
