What is the Difference Between Pneumonia and Walking Pneumonia?

The main difference between pneumonia and walking pneumonia lies in their severity and symptoms. Here are the key differences between the two:

1. Severity: Pneumonia is a more severe lung infection, causing high fever (101 to 105 degrees F, or 38 to 40 degrees C), cough that produces phlegm (wet or productive cough), and may require several days of bed rest or even hospitalization. In contrast, walking pneumonia is a milder form of pneumonia, often referred to as atypical pneumonia, and does not typically require hospitalization.
2. Symptoms: Walking pneumonia has a low fever and a dry cough that doesn't produce phlegm. Pneumonia, on the other hand, has a higher fever and a productive cough that produces mucus.
3. Recovery: Most people recover from bacterial pneumonia in less than a week, while viral pneumonia has an even shorter recovery time. Walking pneumonia may take longer to go away.
4. Diagnosis: Doctors use the same approach to diagnose both types of pneumonia, which may include listening to the lungs with a stethoscope, checking for signs of problems, and asking about the patient's lifestyle, such as their work environment and smoking habits.
5. Causes: Both pneumonia and walking pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or mold.

In summary, walking pneumonia is a milder form of pneumonia with less severe symptoms, such as a low fever and a dry cough. It usually does not require hospitalization, and people with walking pneumonia may feel well enough to carry out daily tasks.

Comparative Table: Pneumonia vs Walking Pneumonia

Here is a table comparing the differences between pneumonia and walking pneumonia:

In summary, the main difference between pneumonia and walking pneumonia is their severity and symptoms. Walking pneumonia is a milder form of pneumonia and often doesn't require treatment, while regular pneumonia can be more severe and may require additional treatment to improve breathing and reduce inflammation.