MEDICAL INSIDER-DR BRYAN
WALKING PNEUMONIA
(Part 2)
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): We started our conversation on Walking Pneumonia last week, Dr. Bryan. To review, you said that Walking Pneumonia is a mild form of pneumonia and its causes may include bacteria, viruses or molds.
You also made mention of the information that Walking Pneumonia is a kind of pneumonia which is less serious and Its symptoms may include cough and sneezing. In fact, you articulated that most children who are sick with this don’t seem to feel sick. The children, sometimes, are seen outside of their homes – hence, the term “walking” and as the term suggests, these children who are sick of Walking Pneumonia, are still active and are walking outside of their houses.
You added the information on the symptoms for this type of pneumonia which are often mild and when someone seems to have a cold with a cough that does not go away, and the colds stay longer than 7 to 10 days, it could be Walking Pneumonia.
Then I asked you, Dr. Bryan, if the symptoms for Walking Pneumonia are noticeable and you said that the symptoms usually depend on where the infection is focused on. For example, it the infection on the child is in the top or middle part of the lungs, the child will show labored breathing. If another person has the infection in the lower part of the lungs (near the belly), the person may have no breathing problems, but may have an upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting.
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: That’s right. If I may add, you might want to ask how the cough of a Walking Pneumonia patient may sound?
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): That’s interesting.
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: Well, It might sound louder or deeper than other coughs. Furthermore, the cough may or may not produce either green, yellow, or bloody mucus.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): So, what is best to be done if this happens?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: Go immediately to the doctor. Whether or not you suspect your cough is due to pneumonia, if you are experiencing a severe cough, you should talk to your doctor. He could give you the best advice regarding the situation.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): So, how would I know and how could I be sure if my cough is Walking Pneumonia?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: Let us remember that common symptoms of pneumonia include:
- a cough which may be dry
- a cough which produces thick yellow, green, brown or blood-stained mucus (phlegm)
- a cough that will give you difficulty breathing
- a breathing which may be rapid and shallow
- a situation where you would feel breathless
- a situation where you have rapid hearbeat even when when resting.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): May I be clarified, Dr. Bryan. Is pneumonia cough wet or dry?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: People with bacterial pneumonia usually experience a higher temperature and a wet cough, whereas people with viral pneumonia tend to experience a lower temperature and a dry cough.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): Will Walking Pneumonia last long?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: I have said that walking pneumonia is milder than pneumonia. However, it requires a longer recovery period and it can last for up to six weeks.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): How would I know, Dr. Bryan if what I have is Pneumonia or Bronchits?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: There is a difference. Pneumonia symptoms are usually more severe than bronchitis. Moreover, Pneumonia looks more like a body-wide infection with fever or chills. Both pneumonia and bronchitis can develop from bacteria or viruses that cause respiratory infections. Bronchitis affects the bronchial tubes, while pneumonia affects the lung air sacs. But, without treatment, bronchitis can become pneumonia.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): Is Walking Pneumonia contagious?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: Walking Pneumonia is contagious. Usually, Walking Pneumonia is brought to our homes by family members who get it from from the outside. When they come home, they infect family members. It’s spread through airborne droplets from close contact, such as coughing, sneezing or speaking. People with lowered immunity may get more severely ill. (To be continued)