Dr Khurram Sadiq Lone

11/12/2025

ATYPICAL PNEUMONIA (Walking Pneumonia) :

A type of pneumonia caused by organisms that do not show typical lobar consolidation, and symptoms are usually milder, more systemic, and have dry cough.

Common Causes

Bacteria

• Mycoplasma pneumoniae — most common in school-aged children & young adults

• Chlamydophila pneumoniae

• Legionella pneumophila — severe; associated with contaminated water systems

Viruses

• Influenza virus

• RSV

• Adenovirus

• SARS-CoV-2

⸻

Clinical Features

• Low-grade fever

• Dry, persistent cough

• Headache, sore throat

• Fatigue, malaise

• Mild respiratory distress

• Non-specific findings: myalgia, ear pain (bullous myringitis in Mycoplasma)

• GI symptoms (Legionella): diarrhea, vomiting

• Usually no large consolidation on exam

⸻

Physical Exam

• Chest often mildly abnormal despite patient’s significant symptoms

• Diffuse crackles, wheeze

• No focal dullness like typical pneumonia

⸻

Investigations

Chest X-Ray

• Patchy, diffuse interstitial infiltrates

• “Reticulonodular pattern”

• Not matching the physical exam severity

Labs

• CBC: may be normal or mildly raised WBC

• Mycoplasma: cold agglutinins ↑

• Legionella: hyponatremia, ↑ LFTs

• PCR/serology helpful

⸻

Complications

• Mycoplasma:

• Hemolytic anemia, erythema multiforme, neurological symptoms

• Legionella:

• Respiratory failure, multi-organ involvement

⸻

Treatment

First-line

• Macrolides (Azithromycin, Clarithromycin)

Alternatives

• Doxycycline (children >8 yrs)

• Respiratory fluoroquinolones (adults)

Supportive

• Antipyretics

• Adequate hydration

⸻

Prognosis

• Usually excellent

• Symptoms may last weeks even after treatment

⸻

Picture-style Diagram

ATYPICAL PNEUMONIA

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| Causes: Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, |

| Legionella, Viruses |

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| Symptoms: |

| - Dry cough |

| - Low-grade fever |

| - Headache, fatigue |

| - Mild chest signs |

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| X-ray: Patchy interstitial |

| infiltrates |

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| Treatment: Macrolides |

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01/09/2025

Dr. Khurram Sadiq Lone.Consultant Child Specialist.Pediatric Gastroenterologist / Hepatologist.*

Omar Hospital & Cardiac Centre Johar Town Lahore.*

8PM -10 PM (Monday till Friday)

#( 042)111 111 131.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/QTpERk3RZFdXENbw5?g_st=iw.

Hameeda Memorial Hospital Block D Valencia Housing Society Lahore*

Monday till Saturday
4:30PM-6:30 PM

#( 042) 35210699.

https://maps.app.goo.glkaEGy4Ew1wZWdTC99?g_st=ic.

10/08/2025

https://www.facebook.com/760552200468105/posts/761682903688368/?mibextid=wwXIfr

22/05/2025

04/11/2024

To stay healthy during periods of smog, consider the following preventive measures:

1. Limit Outdoor Exposure

• Avoid outdoor activities, especially during peak smog hours.
• Stay indoors as much as possible and keep windows closed.

2. Use Air Purifiers

• Use air purifiers at home to help filter out pollutants.
• Make sure your air conditioning system has clean filters.

3. Wear Masks

• Use masks rated N95 or higher when going outside to filter out particulate matter.
• Ensure masks fit properly to maximize protection.

4. Monitor Air Quality

• Stay updated on air quality indexes (AQI) via apps or websites.
• Plan your activities around times when air quality is better.

5. Stay Hydrated

• Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins from your body.
• Herbal teas and other hydrating fluids can also be beneficial.

6. Keep Indoor Air Clean

• Avoid indoor air pollution by not smoking or burning candles and incense.
• Ventilate rooms during times when the AQI is better.

7. Use Natural Remedies

• Nasal irrigation or steam inhalation can help clear pollutants from nasal passages.
• Eating antioxidant-rich foods can strengthen your immune response.

8. Exercise Wisely

• Avoid strenuous outdoor exercise during smoggy conditions.
• Opt for indoor workouts or gyms with proper ventilation.

9. Boost Immunity

• Include foods rich in vitamins C and E, such as citrus fruits and nuts.
• Consult with a healthcare provider for supplements if necessary.

10. Stay Informed and Prepared

• Keep necessary medications handy, especially if you have respiratory conditions like asthma.

23/10/2024

Air Quality Indices 🥵