What happens if walking pneumonia is left untreated

The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia is bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae , with Haemophilus influenza being the second most common cause. Roughly half of all people with pneumonia have viral pneumonia. In rare cases, fungi from soil or bird droppings can cause pneumonia in people who inhale it. This is called fungal pneumonia. Walking pneumonia is always caused by a bacterial infection. Pneumonia can result from a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.

There are certain factors that increase your risk of developing either walking pneumonia or pneumonia. These include:. However, doctors use the same approach to diagnose both types of pneumonia. They may also ask about your lifestyle, including the kind of environment you work in and whether you smoke. In some cases, your doctor might use an X-ray look at your chest.

This can help them differentiate between pneumonia and other conditions, such as bronchitis. Depending on your symptoms, they may also take a blood sample, swab your throat, or take a mucus culture to determine which type of bacteria is causing your symptoms.

If you do, however, your doctor will follow the same process for diagnosing either walking pneumonia or pneumonia. If you have a fever, you can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen. You can also ask your doctor about taking an antibiotic. Purchase acetaminophen or ibuprofen now. Pneumonia may require additional treatment to improve breathing and reduce inflammation in your airways.

While walking pneumonia is usually milder than pneumonia, it involves a longer recovery period. It can take about six weeks to fully recover from walking pneumonia.

However, most people recover from pneumonia in about a week. Bacterial pneumonia usually starts to improve shortly after starting antibiotics, while viral pneumonia usually starts to improve after about three days. If you have a weakened immune system or a severe case of pneumonia, the recovery period might be longer.

While walking pneumonia is milder than pneumonia, it requires a longer recovery period. It can last for up to six weeks, while pneumonia symptoms usually start to improve within a couple of days. It is most serious for infants and young children, people older than age 65, and people with health problems or weakened immune systems. The signs and symptoms of pneumonia vary from mild to severe, depending on factors such as the type of germ causing the infection, and your age and overall health.

Mild signs and symptoms often are similar to those of a cold or flu, but they last longer. Newborns and infants may not show any sign of the infection. Or they may vomit, have a fever and cough, appear restless or tired and without energy, or have difficulty breathing and eating. See your doctor if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent fever of F 39 C or higher, or persistent cough, especially if you're coughing up pus. For some older adults and people with heart failure or chronic lung problems, pneumonia can quickly become a life-threatening condition.

Many germs can cause pneumonia. The most common are bacteria and viruses in the air we breathe. Your body usually prevents these germs from infecting your lungs. But sometimes these germs can overpower your immune system, even if your health is generally good. Pneumonia is classified according to the types of germs that cause it and where you got the infection.

Community-acquired pneumonia is the most common type of pneumonia. It occurs outside of hospitals or other health care facilities. It may be caused by:. Some people catch pneumonia during a hospital stay for another illness. Hospital-acquired pneumonia can be serious because the bacteria causing it may be more resistant to antibiotics and because the people who get it are already sick.

People who are on breathing machines ventilators , often used in intensive care units, are at higher risk of this type of pneumonia.

Health care-acquired pneumonia is a bacterial infection that occurs in people who live in long-term care facilities or who receive care in outpatient clinics, including kidney dialysis centers. Like hospital-acquired pneumonia, health care-acquired pneumonia can be caused by bacteria that are more resistant to antibiotics. Aspiration pneumonia occurs when you inhale food, drink, vomit or saliva into your lungs. Aspiration is more likely if something disturbs your normal gag reflex, such as a brain injury or swallowing problem, or excessive use of alcohol or drugs.

Even with treatment, some people with pneumonia, especially those in high-risk groups, may experience complications, including:. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Pneumonia and your lungs Open pop-up dialog box Close.

Pneumonia and your lungs Most pneumonia occurs when a breakdown in your body's natural defenses allows germs to invade and multiply within your lungs. What Our Patients are Saying A leading indicator of our success is the feedback we get from our patients. Home Health Library. Breathing can become difficult and painfu But if treated promptly and correctly, your chances for a complete recovery are high.

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