Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia in Adults
Jake Newby
| 3 min read
Jake Newby is a brand journalist for Blue Cross Blue...
Key Takeaways
- Walking pneumonia is a milder bacterial lung infection that often resembles a cold but can linger.
- Common symptoms include persistent cough, fatigue, headache, fever, chills, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
- Many cases resolve without treatment, but antibiotics may be needed to speed recovery and prevent complications.
- Seek medical care for worsening symptoms, breathing difficulties, chest pain, or signs of serious illness.
Walking pneumonia in adults can cause a persistent cough, fatigue, fever, chills, headache and shortness of breath. Symptoms are often milder than those associated with other types of pneumonia, which is why someone with this type of lung infection may feel well enough to continue daily activities.
Walking pneumonia is a bacterial condition caused by Mycoplasma (M) pneumoniae respiratory infections. M. pneumoniae is a type of Mycoplasma bacteria that can cause respiratory tract infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Here’s what you should know about walking pneumonia symptoms and when you should seek medical treatment for the condition.
What are the symptoms of walking pneumonia in adults?
Individuals with pneumonia caused by M. pneumoniae can appear healthier than expected for someone with a lung infection. Walking pneumonia symptoms may develop gradually rather than appearing suddenly. They often start off resembling a cold or other respiratory infection. Symptoms include:
- Cough
- Chest pain from coughing
- Ear pain
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
| Symptom | What it May Look Like |
|---|---|
| Cough | Often persistent and may gradually worsen |
| Fatigue | Feeling unusually tired or run down |
| Fever | Often low-grade |
| Chills | Feeling cold or shivering |
| Headache | Mild to moderate headache |
| Shortness of breath | Difficulty catching your breath, particularly with activity |
| Sore throat | Throat irritation or pain |
How long does walking pneumonia last in adults?
The CDC notes that symptoms of M. pneumoniae infection may persist for several weeks, even though many infections are mild and resolve without medication. Most people with the infection heal naturally, but some require antibiotics for pneumonia to speed up their recovery. The cough that accompanies walking pneumonia may persist for weeks after all other symptoms have subsided, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the infection and a person's overall health. Your primary care provider (PCP) may prescribe antibiotics when M. pneumoniae causes pneumonia. Because the bacteria lack a cell wall, certain antibiotics such as penicillin do not work against them, per the Cleveland Clinic.
Is walking pneumonia contagious in adults?
The bacteria and viruses that cause pneumonia – known as M. pneumoniae – can spread from person to person. Walking pneumonia is spread through airborne droplets containing the virus or bacteria from close person to person contact and can be transmitted when a person coughs, sneezes or speaks.
How is walking pneumonia diagnosed and treated?
Your PCP or another healthcare provider may diagnose walking pneumonia based on symptoms and a physical examination. In some cases, they may order a chest X-ray or collect a respiratory sample for laboratory testing. There is no single quick test used for every suspected M. pneumoniae infection.
Treatment for walking pneumonia depends on the cause and severity. If your case of walking pneumonia does not resolve without medication, your PCP may prescribe an antibiotic that treats pneumonia caused by the bacteria. Antibiotics should be taken only when recommended by a provider.
Symptoms of walking pneumonia in adults FAQs
Is walking pneumonia the same as pneumonia?
Walking pneumonia is a common term for a milder form of pneumonia, often associated with atypical bacteria such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It is still a lung infection.
Can you have walking pneumonia without a fever?
Yes. Symptoms vary from person to person, and not everyone with M. pneumoniae pneumonia will experience every symptom.
Can walking pneumonia go away on its own?
Many mild M. pneumoniae infections resolve without medication. However, pneumonia caused by the bacteria may require antibiotics, so persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated.
When should I see a doctor for walking pneumonia?
Visit your PCP if you have a persistent or worsening cough, fever, wheezing, chest pain or shortness of breath. People with asthma, other lung conditions or weakened immune systems may have a higher risk of serious illness from M. pneumoniae. Seek emergency medical care for difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain or pressure, confusion or other severe symptoms.
Photo credit: Getty Images
