BM Health: Walking pneumonia darts into Bengaluru once again

It’s called so as patients often exhibit milder symptoms; however, radiological examinations may reveal prominent patches or signs of infection in lungs

With the recent drop in temperature and fluctuating weather, respiratory infections have become increasingly common. Walking pneumonia, brought on by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumonia, causes the airways to swell and mucus to build up in the lungs’ air sacs. Dr Suhas HS, consultant of Pulmonology, Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, added, “Recently, there has been a significant rise in flu cases and other viral illnesses. Additionally, a surge in bacterial infection called Mycoplasma pneumonia has been seen, commonly referred to as atypical pneumonia or “walking pneumonia.”

This condition is termed “walking pneumonia” because patients often exhibit milder symptoms. However, radiological examinations, such as chest X-rays, may reveal prominent patches or signs of infection in the lungs.” Walking pneumonia is more common among children, young adults, older individuals, and those with underlying lung conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It also poses a higher risk to individuals with weakened immune systems, which can result from medications like steroids, immunosuppressive injections, or a history of tobacco use or smoking.

Meanwhile, Dr Sachin Kumar, senior consultant of Pulmonology & Critical Care Medicine, Sakra World Hospital, said, “Walking pneumonia might be mistaken for a minor respiratory infection known as silent pneumonia or the common cold. If this type of pneumonia is not properly treated, the symptoms might last for weeks. The possibility of transmission through respiratory droplets exists, even if this may not be spreading. The age group that is known to be most affected by this is children, specifically those aged five to fourteen.

The causes of this are unclear; however, it can be attributed to weakened immune systems, increased pollutants, and abrupt weather changes. Generally, we see around three to four such cases in a month. We don’t test everyone for these “atypical pneumonia” organisms, in part because the tests are expensive, but they have the benefit of providing a probable list of organisms, including atypical organisms, in as little as four to six hours.” Patients with walking pneumonia typically need atypical antimicrobial coverage, such as clarithomycin or azithromycin, and occasionally doxycycline.

“These symptoms can last from a few days to several weeks. The diagnosis is usually based on clinical symptoms and confirmed through chest X-rays. In some cases, swabs or blood tests may be used. The condition is treated with antibiotics, which must be prescribed by a doctor. Prevention involves following good hygiene practices such as covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing, wearing masks in crowded areas or when going out, and washing your hands with soap and clean water for at least 10 seconds. Get an annual flu vaccination and avoid smoking, and minimise exposure to tobacco smoke and pollution. Maintain a balanced diet to support a strong immune system. If you experience symptoms, consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment,” informed Dr Suhas.

Unusual spike in gastroenteritis casesUsually, gastroenteritis cases are seen during the summer, but city doctors are seeing a surge in such cases during November as well. Dr Ashok MV, from Vasavi Hospitals, said, “We are surprised to see that kids are infected with viral infections that are causing loose stools, vomiting, and stomach aches. Many kids are presented with symptoms of gastroenteritis.

We are also witnessing cases of kids suffering from hand-foot-and-mouth disease as rashes are seen in hand, foot, and mouth. Currently, we are seeing three to four such cases in OPDs and sometimes six cases in a day. Most of the patients are less than five years old. The infection starts with fever and then rashes can be seen over the body for a week. November is not the usual season when we see these kinds of cases as they are usually reported during summers. We are now witnessing hand-foot-and-mouth disease one or two times a year. Most of the patients are school-going children and we suspect that this is spreading through contacts.”

Typical pneumonia causes high fever and cough with mucus, wheres walking pnemonia causes low-grade fever and dry cough.

Walking Pneumonia, what is it?

• Pneumonia is a lung infection where the air sacs in the lungs fill with fluid or pus.
• Walking pneumonia is a mild form of pneumonia, typically less severe than the regular type.
• Cause: Walking pneumonia is primarily caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, a bacteria that can be difficult to detect.
• Spread: It is contagious, and children are more susceptible to it.
• Treatment: Treated effectively with strong antibiotics.
• Symptoms: Symptoms are often similar to a common cold, making it hard for patients to realise their lungs are affected.
• Typical Pneumonia: Affects only one part of the lung, causing a high fever (above 101°F) and a cough with mucus.
• Walking Pneumonia: X-rays may show scattered patches in the lungs. The patient experiences a low-grade fever and a dry cough.

Flu virus can stay in milk for 5 daysWith Influenza or flu virus can remain infectious in refrigerated raw milk for up to five days, scientists at the new Stanford University have warned.“This work highlights the potential risk of avian influenza transmission through consumption of raw milk and the importance of milk pasteurisation,” said study senior author Alexandria Boehm from the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and the Stanford School of Engineering.

Proponents of raw milk claim that it leaves more beneficial nutrients, enzymes, and probiotics than in pasteurised milk and can boost immune and gastrointestinal health.