Can You Die From Walking Pneumonia ?

Pneumonia is a lung inflammation disease caused primarily due to a bacterium called Streptococcus pneumonia. Walking pneumonia is a milder version of the deadly disease. Interestingly this is caused by a mycoplasma. This microorganism has combined characteristics of a bacterium and a fungus. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the causative organism here. Walking pneumonia is, therefore, also known as Mycoplasma pneumonia.

People living in temperate climates are more susceptible. It is widespread in summer and can affect people below the age of 20 years. It takes nearly three weeks to produce a specific symptom in affected individuals. Either one or both the lungs get inflamed. Severe cough is often accompanied with flu like symptoms.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections in affected individuals. The person can experience sudden chills, fever, headache and tiredness. Symptoms are similar to common cold and are therefore not given much importance.

Relentless coughing might cause breathing difficulties. It is a cause of concern for asthmatics. Cough can last for many weeks, but will eventually subside over time. General antibacterial drugs are effective to a certain extent but not completely. Death is very rare and is caused in people who are already suffering from secondary respiratory disorders.

The condition might worsen and become serious in people suffering from sickle cell anemia. This microorganism is more lethal on aged sections of the society and younger children. If a person is suffering from a prolonged bout of unproductive cough, seeking medical treatment is a recommended to determine the presence or absence of walking pneumonia.

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Pneumonia is a lung inflammation caused due to bacterial or fungal invasion of the respiratory tract. It can affect single or both the lungs depending on the severity of the condition. Bacteria are the main causative organisms. Virus, fungi, parasites and mycoplasma can also cause varying degrees of pneumonia in people of all age groups. More..