Walking pneumonia: causes,symptoms and naturopathy treatment

Walking pneumonia symptoms

My dear friends,

Walking pneumonia, also known as atypical pneumonia or community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) outside the hospital setting, is a type of lung infection that is usually mild. It's called "walking" pneumonia because people with this condition often continue to go about their daily activities, as opposed to being severely ill and confined to bed.

Common symptoms of walking pneumonia may include-

1. Cough

A persistent cough that may produce phlegm, is one of the primary symptoms. It can be dry or sometimes productive. The cough may be worse at night or when lying down.

2. Fever

A low-grade fever is common, but it can range from mild to severe

3. Chills

Many individuals experience chills, which are often a part of the body's response to an infection.

4. Fatigue

Feeling extremely tired, even after resting. The fatigue can be debilitating.

5. Muscle and joint pain

Some mild pain in the back, chest, or other areas could occur.

6. Shortness of breath

Feeling breathless or extra winded with minimal exertion may happen to some individuals.

7. Headache and body aches

Sore throats, headaches, and muscle aches might occur, but they're usually not severe.

8. Nausea and loss of appetite

In some cases, individuals may experience a decrease in appetite and nausea.

9. Night sweats

Some people with walking pneumonia may experience night sweats.

10. Loss of interest in activities

These symptoms can make it difficult to engage in usual activities.

Due to the mild nature of walking pneumonia, many people do not seek medical treatment immediately. However, if you experience severe symptoms, seek medical care right away. Your healthcare provider may diagnose walking pneumonia based on your symptoms, your medical history, and results from a physical exam. Sometimes, they may also order tests like a rapid flu test, a chest X-ray, or a nasal swab to confirm the diagnosis.

Causes of walking pneumonia

Walking pneumonia, also known as atypical pneumonia, is a mild and treatable lung infection caused by specific types of bacteria and viruses.

The main causes of walking pneumonia are--

1. Mycoplasma pneumoniae

This is the most common cause of walking pneumonia, responsible for about 50% of cases. It is a type of bacteria that can infect the lungs and cause symptoms like a persistent cough, fever, and fatigue.

2. Chlamydophila pneumoniae

This bacteria can cause walking pneumonia, especially in people with weakened immune systems. The symptoms can be similar to Mycoplasma pneumoniae, but they may be more severe.

3. Legionella pneumophila

While Legionnaires' disease (a type of pneumonia) is more severe, a milder form of Legionella pneumonia can cause walking pneumonia.

4. Adenovirus

This virus can cause walking pneumonia, especially in children and people with weakened immune systems.

5. Influenza virus

In some cases, the influenza virus can cause walking pneumonia, especially when it combines with other factors like a weakened immune system or underlying health conditions.

6. Parainfluenza virus

This virus can cause walking pneumonia in people, especially those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.

7. Human metapneumovirus

This virus can cause walking pneumonia in people, especially those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.

Risk factors for walking pneumonia include--

Age

People under 40 and over 60 are more likely to get walking pneumonia.

Smoking

Smoking can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of walking pneumonia

Weakened immune system

Conditions like HIV, diabetes, cancer, and taking immunosuppressive medications can increase the risk of walking pneumonia.

Underlying health conditions

Conditions like heart disease, lung disease, or other chronic illnesses can increase the risk of walking pneumonia.

Exposure to someone with walking pneumonia

Being around someone with walking pneumonia can increase the risk of getting infected

Naturopathic treatment of walking pneumonia

Walking pneumonia, also known as atypical pneumonia, is a type of respiratory infection caused by bacteria such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, or Legionella pneumophila. Naturopathic treatment of walking pneumonia aims to support the body's natural healing processes, reduce symptoms, and prevent complications.

Here are some naturopathic approaches to treating walking pneumonia---

Naturopathic Principles

1. Support the immune system

Walking pneumonia is an opportunistic infection, meaning it takes advantage of a weakened immune system. Naturopaths focus on boosting the immune system with nutrient-rich foods, supplements, and lifestyle modifications.

2. Remove the cause

Naturopaths try to identify and remove the underlying causes of the infection, such as stress, environmental toxins, or poor diet.

3. Use natural antimicrobials

Naturopaths use natural antimicrobials, such as herbs and supplements, to help combat the infection.

4. Promote relaxation and stress reduction

Stress can exacerbate respiratory infections. Naturopaths recommend stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.

Naturopathic Treatment Option

1. Herbal remedies

Echinacea

Boosts immune function and reduces inflammation.

Yarrow

Has antimicrobial properties and reduces mucus production.

Ginkgo biloba

Improves circulation and reduces oxidative stress.

Garlic

Has antimicrobial properties and reduces inflammation.

2. Nutritional supplements

Vitamin C

Boosts immune function and reduces oxidative stress.

Zinc

Essential for immune function and wound healing.

Probiotics

Supports gut health and immune function.

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)

Reduces mucus production and promotes bronchial clearance.

3. Lifestyle modifications

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids to thin out mucus and promote bronchial clearance.

Rest

Get plenty of rest to allow the body to recover.

Avoid irritants

Avoid exposure to smoke, pollution, and other respiratory irritants.

Practice stress-reducing techniques

Yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

4. Dietary recommendations

Eat warm, nourishing foods

Soups, stews, and other warm, easy-to-digest foods can help alleviate symptoms.

Avoid dairy and sugar

These can exacerbate respiratory symptoms and worsen congestion.

Increase antioxidant intake

Foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help reduce oxidative stress and promote recovery.

Precautions in walking pneumonia

Walking pneumonia, also known as atypical pneumonia, is a type of pneumonia that is generally milder and less severe than traditional pneumonia. However, certain precautions should still be taken to avoid complications and prevent the spread of the infection.

Here are some precautions to take when walking pneumonia---

1. Rest and hydration

Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, clear broths, and electrolyte-rich beverages. This will help your body fight off the infection.

2. Take medication as prescribed

If prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as directed by your doctor to complete the full course of treatment.

3. Avoid close contact with others

If you have a weakened immune system or are more susceptible to complications, try to avoid close contact with others to reduce the risk of transmission.

4. Get plenty of rest

Fatigue is a common symptom of walking pneumonia, which can worsen with strenuous activity. Adequate rest will help your body fight off the infection.

5. Monitor your symptoms

Watch for signs of complications, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a fever that lasts more than 3-4 days. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention.

6. Stay away from secondhand smoke

Smoking can exacerbate pneumonia symptoms and prolong recovery time, making it more difficult for your body to fight off the infection.

7. Maintain good hygiene

Continue to practice good hygiene, including washing your hands frequently, especially after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, and before touching food or other people.

8. Consider the type of walking pneumonia

Mycoplasma pneumonia (MP) and Chlamydia pneumonia (CP) are two common causes of walking pneumonia. If you are diagnosed with one of these, there may be additional precautions you should take, such as avoiding sexual contact if you have CP.