Child's Walking Pneumonia: Symptoms and Remedies
Walking pneumonia, also known as atypical pneumonia, is a lung infection that affects children aged 5 years and above. This condition, caused by bacteria or viruses, is known for its milder symptoms compared to typical pneumonia, allowing children to continue their daily activities, hence the name "walking pneumonia."
Common symptoms of walking pneumonia in children include a mild fever (often low-grade, but can be above 101°F), a persistent cough (usually dry or mildly productive, producing mucus that can be clear, white, yellow, or green), fatigue and general tiredness, headache, sore throat, mild chest discomfort or sharp chest pain when coughing or breathing deeply, shortness of breath, especially with activity, chills and body aches, loss of appetite, and nausea (more common in children). Occasionally, confusion or clammy skin may occur in more severe cases [1][2][3].
It is essential to note that while walking pneumonia tends to be a milder form, it can potentially lead to complications. These can, although rarely, include asthma exacerbations, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), hemolytic anemia (breakdown of red blood cells), renal (kidney) dysfunction, severe pneumonia requiring hospitalization, and rarely, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a serious skin and mucous membrane reaction, or mycoplasma-induced rash and mucositis (MIRM) [4].
Medication for fevers and discomfort may be prescribed, but cough medicine is generally unhelpful. Drinking more fluids, including water, herbal tea, and soup, can help prevent dehydration in children with walking pneumonia. Using a humidifier in the bedroom can also help ease breathing difficulties. Rest is beneficial for children with walking pneumonia, as it helps fight the illness [1][3].
A doctor will often be able to diagnose pneumonia from a child's symptoms, taking a medical history, and doing a physical examination. Additional tests such as chest X-ray, blood test, and sputum culture test may be required in some cases. Antibiotics are effective for bacterial infections of walking pneumonia, but not always necessary. Viral infections of walking pneumonia need time to run their course [1][3].
It is important to see a doctor if the symptoms in a child with walking pneumonia become worse over time, if the child's temperature goes above certain thresholds, or if the child experiences shortness of breath and chest pain. Mild symptoms caused by walking pneumonia may not warrant X-rays or laboratory tests, but these tests are more likely to be required if the symptoms get worse [1][4].
The infection is spread through tiny water droplets containing bacteria, which become airborne when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Walking pneumonia symptoms can take between a week and a month to clear up but may last for as long as 6 weeks. Most cases of walking pneumonia caused by bacteria resolve within 1-2 weeks, but some may take up to 6 weeks [1][2][3].
In conclusion, while walking pneumonia is generally a milder form of pneumonia, it is crucial for children showing these symptoms to receive proper medical evaluation and treatment to avoid progression to more serious complications.
References: [1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Walking pneumonia. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/walking-pneumonia/symptoms-causes/syc-20374457 [2] American Lung Association. (2020). Atypical Pneumonia. https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/atypical-pneumonia [3] NHS. (2021). Walking pneumonia. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/walking-pneumonia/ [4] Cleveland Clinic. (2020). Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Infection in Children. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15301-mycoplasma-pneumoniae-infection-in-children
- Despite its milder symptoms, walking pneumonia, a respiratory condition, can potentially lead to chronic diseases like asthma exacerbations or severe pneumonia requiring hospitalization.
- The medical-conditions linked to walking pneumonia can be serious, such as encephalitis, hemolytic anemia, and even Stevens-Johnson syndrome or mycoplasma-induced rash and mucositis (MIRM).
- Mental-health is significant when dealing with any medical condition, including walking pneumonia, and rest is beneficial for children affected by it, as it helps fight the illness.
- Fitness-and-exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health, including digestive-health, skin-care, and eye-health, but for children with walking pneumonia, sleep is more valuable for recovery.
- Workplace-wellness programs can help manage mental-health and stress levels, which are important factors in managing chronic diseases like walking pneumonia and other conditions.
- Nutrition also plays a significant role in managing health, and during recovery from walking pneumonia, foods rich in vitamins A, C, and D can boost the immune system.
- Aging affects the body's ability to fight off infections, making older individuals more susceptible to pneumonia, including walking pneumonia.
- Concerns related to sexual-health and reproductive-health may lead some individuals to avoid seeking medical attention for walking pneumonia, but prompt evaluation and treatment are essential to avoid complications.
- Women's-health concerns beyond walking pneumonia include autoimmune-disorders, menopause, and weight-management, all of which require regular doctor visits for proper care and monitoring.
- Parenting comes with unique health challenges, as children are more susceptible to developing pneumonia, including walking pneumonia, and may require constant monitoring and care when ill.
- Medicare coverage is crucial for seniors, many of whom have underlying health conditions like cardiovascular-health issues or diabetes, which can make them more susceptible to complications from walking pneumonia.
- CBD oil, a popular natural remedy, has been used for various therapies-and-treatments, including neurological-disorders and mental-health concerns, but its effectiveness for walking pneumonia remains unproven.
- Men's-health goes beyond prostate health and involves addressing conditions like breathing difficulties, heart disease, and eye-health issues that can be exacerbated by walking pneumonia.
- Skin-conditions can be aggravated by walking pneumonia, as the body's immune system is already compromised, making it harder for the skin to heal and potentially leading to infections.
- In addition to medication and rest, hearing regularly scheduled health-and-wellness check-ups can help identify early signs of walking pneumonia or other conditions, enabling prompt treatment and recovery.
