“Walking pneumonia” is a common term for a milder lung infection, often caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae, viruses, or molds. Its symptoms can resemble a severe cold or flu, allowing individuals to continue daily activities. This condition, also known as atypical pneumonia, can be tested for to confirm its presence and identify its specific cause. Understanding the diagnostic process helps those with persistent respiratory symptoms.
Initial Assessment by a Doctor
When symptoms suggest walking pneumonia, the initial step involves a doctor’s evaluation. This assessment includes a detailed review of symptoms, such as a persistent cough, fatigue, low-grade fever, sore throat, and headache. The doctor will also inquire about the patient’s medical history and any recent exposures.
Following the symptom review, a physical examination is conducted, including listening to the patient’s lungs with a stethoscope. During auscultation, the doctor may detect abnormal sounds like crackles or wheezing, indicating lung involvement. While these initial findings are important for guiding suspicion, they are not sufficient for a definitive diagnosis.
Imaging Tests for Diagnosis
To investigate suspected lung involvement, imaging tests, primarily a chest X-ray, are often used. A chest X-ray can reveal signs of inflammation or infiltrates within the lungs, providing visual evidence of pneumonia. For walking pneumonia, the X-ray often displays a “patchy” appearance of affected areas rather than a concentrated infection.
Despite its utility in confirming lung infection, a chest X-ray does not identify the specific pathogen responsible. It helps differentiate walking pneumonia from other respiratory conditions and confirms lung inflammation, even if symptoms are mild.
Lab Tests to Identify the Cause
Beyond imaging, various laboratory tests help pinpoint the specific pathogen causing walking pneumonia, which is important for guiding appropriate treatment. Blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), can show general signs of infection, though they don’t identify the microbe. More specific tests include serological antibody detection, which looks for antibodies like IgM, IgA, and IgG produced in response to Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.
Molecular tests, particularly nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) like PCR, are the preferred method for diagnosing Mycoplasma pneumoniae due to their high sensitivity and specificity. These tests can be performed on nose or throat swabs and detect the genetic material of the bacteria. While less common for initial diagnosis, sputum cultures may be collected if a productive cough is present, although Mycoplasma pneumoniae can be difficult and slow to grow in culture.
What Happens After Diagnosis
Once walking pneumonia is diagnosed, the course of action focuses on treatment and symptom management. If the infection is bacterial, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, antibiotics such as macrolides (e.g., azithromycin) are commonly prescribed. For viral causes, which antibiotics do not treat, supportive care like rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications for fever and cough relief are recommended.
Recovery time varies, but most individuals begin to feel better within three to five days with treatment, although a cough can persist for weeks or even months. It is important to follow medical advice closely and monitor symptoms for any worsening or lack of improvement, which would warrant further medical attention. Early diagnosis and appropriate management can help prevent potential complications.