By Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A.
Associate Professor of Family Medicine
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine

PROGNOSIS FOR READER’S “WALKING PNEUMONIA” IS GOOD

Question: I went to see my doctor because I was feeling a little ill and had a cough. I’m still going to work, though, because I don’t feel sick enough to stay home. After my doctor took an X-ray, he told me that I have walking pneumonia. I’m a little worried about having pneumonia, since my grandmother died from pneumonia. Oh yes, I’m a 36-year-old female who’s physically fit and exercises regularly.

Answer: Pneumonia is a term that describes a disorder of the lungs. It is usually the result of a bacterial or viral infection and can sometimes be caused by a fungal infection. It's also possible to have pneumonia as a result of a chemical irritation to the lungs.

In 2004, there were about 1.3 million cases of pneumonia that required hospitalization. The majority of pneumonia sufferers are young children or people 60 and over, but individuals of all ages do get pneumonia. Regardless of the cause, pneumonia is a significant and often serious illness. Cough, shortness of breath, chest discomfort and general fatigue are typical symptoms.

Walking pneumonia is a slang term, not a medical one, which describes an illness that is generally mild. The infected person is still “walking” about. Your ability to continue to work while sick with pneumonia is characteristic of “walking pneumonia.” While the term does not describe the cause of the lung infection, this type of pneumonia is usually due to a virus or an atypical bacterium called Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

You are right that pneumonia can be deadly, but fatal cases are much more common in those with underlying medical disorders and in the elderly. There are also a few very aggressive strains of bacteria and viruses that can cause pneumonia and rapidly kill a previously healthy person. Fortunately, these illnesses are rare, and they certainly make you sufficiently sick that the condition would never be called “walking pneumonia.” Your doctor’s diagnosis indicates to me that your chances of a full recovery are excellent.

Despite the milder nature of “walking pneumonia,” it often takes six weeks to totally recover, even when antibiotics are helpful. By total recovery, I mean a return to your normal level of energy and physical endurance.

Walking pneumonia can be a complication of flu, so one of the important things you can do for your health as well as for the health of those around you is to get a flu shot this year. A flu shot gives protection against the most severe forms of influenza that are expected to be common this winter. Unfortunately, it will not protect you from all forms of influenza or from other causes of respiratory tract infections.

Another shot you should know about is a pneumonia immunization. This shot doesn’t protect you from all pneumonia, but it does protect against the most severe forms caused by the pneumococcal bacteria. This is especially important for those with chronic heart or lung problems or those who are 65 or older. Since you’ve had “walking pneumonia,” you might be at a slight increased risk yourself for a future bout with pneumonia. Therefore, getting this shot might be prudent. Ask your doctor.

Family Medicine® is a weekly column. To submit questions, write to Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A., Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, P.O. Box 110, Athens, Ohio 45701, or via e-mail to readerquestions@familymedicinenews.org. Medical information in this column is provided as an educational service only. It does not replace the judgment of your personal physician, who should be relied on to diagnose and recommend treatment for any medical conditions. Past columns are available online at www.familymedicinenews.org.