Walking pneumonia 66395 209436395 2008-05-01T11:41:51Z 63.115.34.34 {{mergeto|Community-acquired pneumonia|Talk:Community-acquired pneumonia#Merger proposal|date=October 2007}} {{Unreferenced|date=April 2007}} '''Walking pneumonia''' is an outdated term used for cases of [[pneumonia]] that do not cause significant disability. The term came into being when hospitalization for pneumonia was more common. People who are affected by walking pneumonia do not require [[hospital]]ization and are often able to continue participating in school or work functions. Although these mild cases of pneumonia can be caused by any number of [[microorganism]]s, infection with viruses such as [[influenza]] and [[respiratory syncytial virus]] or [[Atypical pneumonia|atypical bacteria]] such a ''[[Mycoplasma pneumoniae]]'', ''[[Chlamydophila pneumoniae]]'', or ''[[Legionella pneumophila]]'' are the most common causes. Symptoms of walking pneumonia include (but may not be limited to): deep bronchial coughing, sharp headache pains in conjunction with coughing, and shortness of breath. A potentially serious result is a reduction in oxygen blood levels that can occasionally result in dizziness or loss of consciousness. Persons with this disease need to avoid driving unless approved by a physician. == See also == *[[Pneumonia]] *[[Atypical pneumonia]] *[[Viral pneumonia]] *[[Bacterial pneumonia]] == References == *[http://lungdiseases.about.com/od/pneumon2/Pneumonia_Signs_Symptoms_Treatment_and_Prevention.htm About.com] - Pneumonia - Signs, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention *[http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/walking-pneumonia/AN00137 Mayo Clinic] - Walking pneumonia: What does it mean? *[http://www.drgreene.org/body.cfm?id=21&action=detail&ref=206 drgreen.com] - What Is Walking Pneumonia? [[Category:Pulmonology]]