Feeling a bit under the weather but soldiering on through your daily routine? It’s possible you’re contending with more than just a common cold or flu. There’s a condition known as walking pneumonia that can affect seemingly healthy adults, presenting symptoms that often go unnoticed, putting off proper treatment.

In this article, we’ll break down the early symptoms of walking pneumonia in adults, why adults are more vulnerable, when to seek medical help, and how to treat and prevent it effectively. Let’s read!

What is Walking Pneumonia?

Walking pneumonia, also called “atypical pneumonia,” is a mild form of pneumonia. It is a lung infection that causes swelling of airways, filling of lungs’ air sacs with mucus and other fluids, and a cough and high fever with mucus. You may be able to walk and perform daily activities without realizing you are affected by this infection — hence the name “walking.”

Did you know? Around 2 million cases of Mycoplasma pneumonia (a subtype of walking pneumonia) are reported yearly in the USA. Unlike typical pneumonia, it doesn’t usually require hospitalization. 

Walking pneumonia can affect anyone, but is more commonly seen in School-aged children, young adults, and adults in crowded environments like schools, dormitories, or offices

12 Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia in Adults

Identifying the symptoms of walking pneumonia becomes challenging because it shares symptoms similar to cold and seasonal allergies. But it is crucial to understand the specific signs for timely diagnosis and treatment. Here are the key signs of walking pneumonia in adults:

1. Persistent Dry Cough (Common)

2. Fatigue and Weakness (Common)

3. Low-Grade Fever (Common)

4. Chest Pain or Tightness (Common)

5. Headache (Common)

6. Sore Throat (Common)

• A common early symptom, due to damage to the respiratory tract lining.

• Sometimes confused with a cold or flu due to similar symptoms.

7. Shortness of Breath (Common)

• Described as difficulty breathing or feeling breathless.

• Noticeable, especially during engaging in physical activities.

8. Loss of Appetite (Common)

9. Ear pain (Less Common)

• Causes inflammation of the otitis media (middle ear)

• This can lead to fluid accumulation, eardrum swelling, and ear pain.

10. Skin rash (Less Common)

• Triggered by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a bacterium that causes walking pneumonia.

• Rashes occur as a non-specific exanthem (looks like small, red, and short-lasting rashes on the limbs and trunks) and an erythema multiforme (appears target-like lesions with a central bulla).

11. Neck lump (Less Common)

12. Wheezing (in severe cases; Less Common) 

The common symptoms listed above are frequently seen in adults with walking pneumonia, while the less common ones occur in fewer cases but may still signal walking pneumonia, especially if paired with the common symptoms.

If you’re experiencing multiple symptoms, especially a lingering dry cough and fatigue, or even if you only have 1 or 2 symptoms that won’t go away, it’s worth getting checked by a doctor. Early diagnosis can prevent serious complications.

Why Are Adults More Prone to Walking Pneumonia?

Adults may be more vulnerable to walking pneumonia due to several reasons:

• Weakened Immune System: Age or chronic stress naturally lowers the ability of the body to fight off infections.

• Chronic Medical Conditions: Research reports that conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and heart disease can increase their risk of developing walking pneumonia.

• Reduced Lung Function: With age, the strength and capacity of the lungs reduce, making them more infection-prone.

• Delayed Symptom Recognition: Early signs often mimic a cold or fatigue.

When to See a Doctor?

Though some symptoms can be managed at home with antibiotics and rest, seek medical help if you experience:

• symptoms lasting for more than a week without improvement.

• Severe or sharp chest pain

• Breathing difficulty

• High fever

Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications, especially for those with underlying health issues.

Diagnosis of Walking Pneumonia

To confirm walking pneumonia, the doctors help with a physical examination, like listening to the lungs’ sound and checking the symptoms. The providers may also order tests like:

• Chest X-ray: To examine the lungs and how much they have been affected.

• Sputum culture: To determine the pneumonia-causing bacteria by taking a mucus sample from the throat or nose.

• Blood test: A provider may take a sample of your blood to help determine which bacteria are the reason for your illness.

Walking Pneumonia Treatment Options

The treatment often depends on the cause:

1. Antibiotics:

If bacteria are causing walking pneumonia, the doctors provide the following antibiotics to kill the bacteria:

• Macrolide antibiotics: Include azithromycin and clarithromycin

• Fluoroquinolones: E.g., ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin

• Tetracyclines: Include doxycycline and tetracycline

Always complete the full course, even if you feel better early. Incomplete treatment can cause relapse or resistance.

2. Symptom Relief Medications:

These medications can help ease symptoms:

• Antihistamines: To manage nasal congestion

• Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce fever, pain, and headache.

• Cough Suppressants or Expectorants: To ease coughing and help mucus clearance

Severe cases may require hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics (antibiotics delivered into a vein through injection or catheter) or oxygen therapy.

Moreover, supportive care is also crucial, which includes:

• Rest: Take a lot of rest to allow enough time for the body to fight off infections and recover.

• Hydration: Drink a lot of water and fluids to make mucus thin and maintain overall health.

• Balanced Diet: Consume a healthy diet rich in vitamins and other vital nutrients to strengthen the immune system.

Complications of Walking Pneumonia (If Left Untreated)

Although usually mild, walking pneumonia can escalate to serious complications:

• Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a condition with low oxygen levels in the blood.

• Full-blown pneumonia

• Asthma attacks

• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)

• Hemolytic anemia, an illness in which the body kills red blood cells

• Meningitis, an inflammation of the meninges that surround the spinal cord and brain

• Respiratory failure

• Lung damage

• Kidney problems, such as renal dysfunction

• Skin conditions, like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or mycoplasma-induced rash and mucositis 

Causes of Walking Pneumonia

Knowing the causes can help manage and prevent this condition. Here are the potential causes:

Is Walking Pneumonia Contagious?

Yes, it is highly contagious because it:

• Spreads through airborne respiratory droplets

• Can be transmitted even before symptoms appear

• Contagious for 2 to 4 weeks

People with weakened immunity are especially vulnerable.

Preventing Walking Pneumonia 

The following preventive tips can help lower the risk of getting affected with walking pneumonia:

• Follow Good Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, and do not touch your eyes, mouth, and nose.

• Wear Masks: Wearing masks in crowded areas or near someone who is sick can minimize the spread of bacteria.

• Avoid Close Contact with Sick People: Limit your exposure to people who are sick, especially those who have respiratory symptoms.

• Get Vaccinated: Get the flu vaccine, as the flu makes you more prone to develop walking pneumonia.

• Avoid Smoking: Do not smoke, and also don’t allow others too as smoking worsens the symptoms.

• Boost the Immune System: Consume a well-balanced diet, practice exercise regularly, get adequate sleep, and reduce stress.

These preventative measures, along with attention to early symptoms, can significantly lower the chances of developing walking pneumonia.

Final Thoughts

Though it might not seem severe at first, the lingering symptoms of walking pneumonia in adults can interrupt everyday life. Spotting the early signs — like persistent cough, fatigue, or chest discomfort — can help you get timely care and recover quickly, especially in older adults or those with pre-existing medical issues. If symptoms worsen or linger, don’t wait — see a doctor and take steps to protect your health and those around you.

Frequently Asked Questions