How Long Does Recovery From Walking Pneumonia Take?

Posted on Tue, 18 Apr 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 18 Apr 2017 Answered on

Tue, 9 May 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My son was diagnosed with pneumonia in January, had a round of antibiotics and got better but was still not 100% felt like 70%, weak, got tired easily, coughing. Got the Flu last month with high fevers up to 104, sleeping constantly for a couple days. Recovered but still not 100%. Took him in a couple weeks ago b/c he just seems exhausted. Did x-ray. Showed mild thickening of bronchial lining, but no signs of previous right lower lung pneumonia. Put on 2 different inhalers. Then blood tests came back showing a Mycoplasma Igm of 3700 and positive Igg. Put on antibiotic for 5 days. He is Still not 100% and will break out in sweats with no fever. Any activity completely exhausts him. Also tested negative for Epstein Barr Viruses. Is this typical of walking pneumonia in a 12 year old? To be sick this long?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No this is not typical walking pneumonia course.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
No this is not typical walking pneumonia course.
Usually pneumonia heals by 3-4 weeks.
His chest x ray has improved. So possibility of post infectious bronchitis is more in his case.
Pneumonia causes inflammatory changes in lungs. And these changes can cause bronchitis.
Feeling exhausted, sweating, coughing etc are seen in bronchitis.
So we need to treat bronchitis in his case.
You are have mentioned albuterol inhaler in his medicine list.
Can you please tell me
1. How many times he is taking albuterol?
2. Is he taking any other inhaler other than albuterol?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better.
I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your son. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy