Atypical pneumonia, also known as walking pneumonia, is a form of pneumonia caused by a variety of atypical bacterial pathogens. It is a milder form of pneumonia than the traditional, more severe, forms caused by the more common Streptococcus pneumoniae. Atypical pneumonia is also known as “walking pneumonia” because it is usually not severe enough to require hospitalization and can be treated with oral antibiotics at home.
The most common bacterial causes of atypical pneumonia are Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila. These bacteria are much less common than Streptococcus pneumoniae, but can still cause pneumonia in people of all ages. Symptoms of atypical pneumonia may include fever, fatigue, headache, a cough which may produce a small amount of mucus, and shortness of breath. Chest X-rays may be taken to confirm the diagnosis of atypical pneumonia.
Treatment of atypical pneumonia typically involves oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline, erythromycin, or azithromycin, for at least one to two weeks. Some cases may require intravenous antibiotics in the hospital. Bed rest and plenty of fluids are also important for recovery. Symptoms usually improve within two weeks, but the cough may last for several weeks. In some cases, the pneumonia may resolve without any treatment.
It is important to recognize the signs of atypical pneumonia in order to seek appropriate treatment. If untreated, atypical pneumonia can cause serious complications, including respiratory failure and death.