10 Essential Facts About Chlamydia
4 Best At-Home Chlamydia Tests In 2024
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If you're concerned about chlamydia, a home test provides fast, discreet results. See our reviews of tests from Everlywell, myLAB Box, Nurx, and LetsGetChecked.Com.
If you're concerned about a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like chlamydia, an at-home test is a smart and convenient first step. It can quickly give you the information you need to take action.
Chlamydia is treatable, but complications may not be. Read on to learn about how an at-home chlamydia test can help put your mind at ease.
Use code "HEALTHLINE25" for 25% off.
Healthline's reviewThis easy-to-use, urine sample collection test checks for both chlamydia and gonorrhea with as much as 99% accuracy, according to Everlywell.
The duel testing, plus the option of speaking with a health care professional to discuss your results, and a the lower price point, earn our pick as at-home chlamydia test our pick as best overall.
If you get positive results for either infection, Everlywell can connect you to a medical professional in its network, at no additional cost. They will discuss your test results with you, and prescribe medication, as needed.
Every laboratory Everlywell uses is Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified. This means the labs meet the standards to obtain both state and federal certifications.
You can learn more about Everlywell in our comprehensive review.
In addition to its at-home chlamydia and gonnorhea test, Everlywell also offers more comprehensive testing:
You can use your HSA or FSA account to pay for any Everlywell test. If you choose to test regularly, a reduced subscription rate is available.
Everlywell offers a membership plan for either $39 monthly or $449 annually. As a member, you can get credits toward future tests with each purchase. If you plan on using many tests, this may offer you an additional savings.
Everlywell tests are available online, and in retail stores including Walmart.
Pros & consUse code "HEALTHLINE25" for 25% off
Healthline's reviewLetsGetChecked offers three at home chlamydia test options:
LetsGetChecked also offer more than 30 at-home testing options, covering a wide range of health conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid levels, and fertility.
After placing your order, your test will arrive in discreet packaging. The Simple 2 test only requires a small urine sample taken first thing in the morning. Return your sample on the day of collection, and your results will be available 2–5 days after it reaches the lab.
If your test is positive, you can start a virtual consultation with a member of the LetsGetChecked medical team for $39. If you're a candidate for treatment, they will then send prescription medication directly to your home, or a prescription to your pharmacy.
If needed, they will also provide treatment for chlamydia or tricomoniasis to your partner for an additonal virtual consultation fee. There is no need to buy and wait for another testing kit.
LetsGetChecked's laboratories are CPA-approved and ISO-certified.
Learn more about LetsGetChecked in our comprehensive review.
Pros & consNurx provides three user-friendly, at home chlamydia tests that also test for other STIs. Each test kit includes free shipping in discreet packaging, and unlimited messaging with Nurx medical professionals. Unlike most other tests, Nurx provides access to its medical team whether you test postive or negative.
The Basics Covered Kit tests for gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and HIV. For those concerned about rectal or throat infections, we recommend taking the Healthy Woman Kit or Full Control Kit, which include throat or anal swabs. This all-encompassing level of testing may uncover an asymptomatic STI that would otherwise go undetected, and untreated.
Tests offered include:
Nurx is in-network for many health Insurance plans. If your plan is out of network or you're uninsured, you have the option of paying the out-of-pocket cost. The Basics Covered test kit costs $75 with insurance, along with a $15 medical consultation fee. You can also use your HSA or FSA card to pay for your test.
Tests are available through the Nurx website in most states.
Learn more about Nurx in our comprehensive review.
Pros & consWaiting for STI test results can be stressful. If you're anxious to get your results, myLAB Box delivers answers sometimes as quickly as 1 day after the sample is received, and up to 5 days.
The At Home Chlamydia Test + Gonnorhea Test is a standard urine test. This company also offers a Chlamhydia and Gonnorhea 3-site test that detects infection of the genitals, mouth, and rectum. Both tests take around five minutes.
MyLAB Box is certified by the CLIA and College of American Pathologists (CAP), making it a reliable testing company that meets nationwide standards.
If your result is positive, myLAB Box provides a free consultation with a physician who can help to answer any concerns you may have and provide a treatment plan.
MyLab Box also offers these STI testing options:
This and other MyLabBox tests are available online, and at Walmart and other retailers.
Pros & consWhen researching at-home chlamydia tests, we considered the following:
Chlamydia is the most frequently reported bacterial STI in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported over 1.6 million cases in 2021.
Because many people don't experience symptoms and don't seek testing as a result, the actual number of cases is likely much larger.
People who are sexually active can transmit the STI vaginally, orally, or anally. The bacteria, Chlamydia trachomatis, can be transferred without ejaculation or even penetration during sexual contact. For example, the STI can be transferred by sharing sex toys that have not been properly cleaned or covered with a new condom with each use. Or, getting semen or vaginal fluid in one's eye can also transfer the bacteria.
Teens and young adults have the highest rates of chlamydia. These age groups account for two-thirds of new cases, according to CDC data.
The CDC also suggests young women are more prone to the STI, with 1 in 20 women between 14 and 24 years old estimated to have chlamydia. However, men can also contract, carry, and transmit the STI to others.
Testing for chlamydia is done through a urine sample or a specimen swab from the vagina. You can get tested at a doctor's office or at a health clinic, which may offer free or low cost testing, without insurance. You can also test yourself with an at-home chlamydia test, like the Nurx At-Home STI Test.
If you test positive, chlamydia is easily treatable with oral antibiotics.
RisksOne of the most significant dangers of chlamydia is its ability to go undetected. It might not cause visible side effects, but that doesn't mean it isn't dangerous. Its hidden threat can have lasting impacts.
The disease can affect people with vaginas by causing pelvic inflammatory disease, increasing the risk of ectopic pregnancies, and potentially causing infertility. For those with penises, it can cause epididymitis and infertility.
Pregnant people with chlamydia can transmit the infection to their baby during vaginal delivery. Chlamydia in babies can result in conditions like pneumonia and conjunctivitis.
SymptomsWhen symptoms are present, they can often take several weeks to appear.
Those with female reproductive systems who are experiencing chlamydia may notice:
Those with male reproductive systems who are experiencing chlamydia may notice:
Chlamydia's symptoms overlap with gonorrhea, so you may not know which condition you have. It's also possible to have both conditions at once.
PreventionTo reduce your risk of chlamydia, it is important to use barrier methods, such as condoms, when you have sex. If you're sexually active, undergoing regular STI testing can also identify an infection early and prevent it from being transmitted to sexual partners.
Getting tested is the only way to be sure you don't have an STI. Just because you feel healthy doesn't mean you're infection-free.
The CDC recommends sexually active women under the age of 25 get screened for chlamydia and gonorrhea each year, regardless of symptoms.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, some factors that increase the risk of infection include:
To keep it simple: If you're having sex, you should regularly get tested for STIs. Using an at-home test, like the Everlywell At-Home Chlamydia & Gonnorhea Test or these full-panel STD tests, may be a good way to get peace of mind. Getting tested can not only put your mind at ease, it also makes you a more informed sexual partner.
Be sure to ask your partners for their status before engaging in sexual contact. While it may feel intimidating, asking can help you in the long run and relay a sign of respect for one another.
Is there a way to test for chlamydia at home?Yes. At-home tests for chlamydia, like the MyLabBox Chlamydia + Gonorrhea Test, require a vaginal, throat, or anal swab, or a urine sample, just like you would give in a doctor's office. Testing at home may even be quicker, in some instances, than waiting for in-person testing. At-home urine tests may be the easiest to use.
Yes. At-home tests for chlamydia, like the MyLabBox Chlamydia + Gonorrhea Test, require a vaginal, throat, or anal swab, or a urine sample, just like you would give in a doctor's office. Testing at home may even be quicker, in some instances, than waiting for in-person testing. At-home urine tests may be the easiest to use.
Do rapid chlamydia tests exist?There are some rapid tests available for chlamydia that you can use at home. These tests provide positive/negative test results within around 15 minutes. They typically don't include the option of speaking with a healthcare professional.
If you test positive, you'll need to see a healthcare professional for follow-up testing and treatment.
The tests on our list are sample collection kits only, requiring you to send your sample to a lab, where it will be analyzed quickly and the results reported to you in 1-5 days.
There are some rapid tests available for chlamydia that you can use at home. These tests provide positive/negative test results within around 15 minutes. They typically don't include the option of speaking with a healthcare professional.
If you test positive, you'll need to see a healthcare professional for follow-up testing and treatment.
The tests on our list are sample collection kits only, requiring you to send your sample to a lab, where it will be analyzed quickly and the results reported to you in 1-5 days.
Is there a chlamydia self test?Yes. The at-home tests we've included in this list are self tests you administer to yourself manually at home.
In some instances, you'll need to return your test samples to a lab for analysis. Some tests also let you access results at home after taking the test.
Yes. The at-home tests we've included in this list are self tests you administer to yourself manually at home.
In some instances, you'll need to return your test samples to a lab for analysis. Some tests also let you access results at home after taking the test.
How accurate are self-administered chlamydia tests?Independent data collected from a 2013 study indicates that vulvovaginal swab tests you administer yourself are close to 100% accurate. Other analyses, such as those from a 2023 study, found that at home swab tests were 94.1% accurate, and urine tests were 86.1% accurate.
Every test is different. To be on the safe side, check the manufacturer's accuracy claims and data before you buy.
Independent data collected from a 2013 study indicates that vulvovaginal swab tests you administer yourself are close to 100% accurate. Other analyses, such as those from a 2023 study, found that at home swab tests were 94.1% accurate, and urine tests were 86.1% accurate.
Every test is different. To be on the safe side, check the manufacturer's accuracy claims and data before you buy.
What does chlamydia discharge look like?Chlamydia discharge is foul smelling, and looks white, yellow, or grey.
Chlamydia discharge is foul smelling, and looks white, yellow, or grey.
Can I buy a chlamydia test over the counter?Some major retailers, such as Walmart, carry at-home chlamydia tests. Check with your local pharmacy to see if it carries them, or if one can be ordered for you.
Some major retailers, such as Walmart, carry at-home chlamydia tests. Check with your local pharmacy to see if it carries them, or if one can be ordered for you.
Chlamydia is a serious condition that can have long-term health effects for you and your sexual partners. STIs should be treated with seriousness and transparency.
It's wise to get tested regularly when you're sexually active to keep you and your partner(s) safe. An in-office test is a reliable way to learn if you have chlamydia or other STIs. But at-home testing is an accessible and fairly accurate way to get the answers you need.
What Is Postnasal Drip?
Postnasal drip is the drainage of mucus from your nose or sinuses into your pharynx, or throat.
Every day, glands in the linings of your nose, throat, airways, stomach, and intestinal tract produce mucus. Your nose alone makes about a quart of it each day. Mucus is a thick, wet substance that moistens these areas and helps trap and destroy foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses before they cause infection.
Postnasal drip is a common symptom of colds, allergies, and infections. A variety of medications and at-home remedies can help you get relief. (Photo Credit: Science Photo Library/Getty Images)
Normally, you don't notice the mucus from your nose because it mixes with saliva, drips harmlessly down the back of your throat, and you swallow it.
When your body produces more mucus than usual or it's thicker than normal, it becomes more noticeable.
The excess can come out of the nostrils -- that's a runny nose. When the mucus runs down the back of your nose to your throat, it's called postnasal drip.
This feeling that something is dripping down your throat is a common symptom of conditions such as the common cold, sinusitis, and allergies. It can cause a sore throat or a cough.
Inflammation or swelling of the nasal passages can cause postnasal drip to build up. When that happens, the excess mucus, or snot, can also cause congestion. Common reasons for nasal inflammation include viral or bacterial infections, allergies, or irritants in the air.
When you're not feeling well, it's common to get postnasal drip. It can feel gross and uncomfortable. In some cases, postnasal drip may turn into a chronic cough or ongoing problem.
Mucus is mostly water, antibodies, proteins, and dissolved salts. It's your body's way of trapping dust, dirt, and other particles from entering your lungs. Color changes to your mucus may mean something is going on with your health.
It's more common to get thick, colored mucus at the beginning of a bacterial infection. And other symptoms caused by a bacterial infection often last more than 10 days without getting better. With a viral infection, it's more common to get thick, colored mucus later, after several days.
Clear mucus
Normal mucus is clear. It means that your nasal passages are healthy.
In the beginning stages of a cold or allergy, you may still have clear mucus, just more of it. That extra mucus is the sign that the body is fighting off an infection or irritation.
White mucus
White or cloudy mucus is often thicker. This happens because your nasal passages become swollen or inflamed, which causes your mucus to lose moisture. White or cloudy mucus may mean you have a cold or nasal infection.
Yellow mucus
Yellow mucus can mean your cold or nasal infection is getting worse. Both bacterial and viral upper respiratory infections can cause yellow mucus. The color comes from white blood cells that rush to the infection to try to clear it.
An increase in the number of certain immune system cells or in the enzymes these cells produce can cause your mucus to change to yellow or green.
Green mucus
Green mucus can be a sign of a more serious viral or bacterial infection. It means your immune system is working hard to fight off the infection. Green mucus is thick with dead white blood cells.
If you still feel sick after 10 days or if you have a fever, see your doctor right away. Green mucus can mean you have sinusitis. You will need to take antibiotics to treat this bacterial infection.
Brown mucus
Brown mucus can be a sign of exposure to pollution or smoking. It can also be caused by a bacterial infection or the presence of dried blood, which can occur from blowing your nose too hard. If your mucus is brown and you have other symptoms, see a doctor right away to rule out any serious conditions.
Heavy smokers and people with certain lung diseases are more likely to have brown or black mucus.
Black mucus
Black mucus isn't a common color and can be a sign of exposure to very high levels of pollution or smoke. The debris can build up in your nose.
In rare cases, black mucus can mean you have a serious fungal infection. These infections are more common in people with compromised immune systems.
If you have other symptoms or have a compromised immune system, see your doctor right away to rule out any serious issues.
Pink or red mucus
Pink or red mucus can be a sign of bleeding in the nasal passages. Blowing or rubbing your nose too hard can cause some blood vessels to break. You may see a pinkish hue. In some cases, you may get a nosebleed. An infection can also cause your nose to bleed. If the red color is accompanied by other symptoms, see a doctor right away for treatment.
The excess mucus that triggers it has many possible causes, including:
Sometimes the problem isn't that you're producing too much mucus, but that it's not being cleared away. Swallowing problems can cause a buildup of liquids in the throat, which can feel like postnasal drip. These problems can sometimes occur because of a blockage or conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD.
Postnasal drip can be a small annoyance at first. Your throat may feel scratchy. Too much mucus can also make your voice sound hoarse, or like you are gurgling. You may have an urge to constantly clear your throat. A buildup of mucus can also cause bad breath.
Over time, postnasal drip can cause a sore or irritated throat. It can lead to inflammation, which can cause your tonsils and other tissues in your throat to swell.
It also can trigger a cough, which often gets worse at night. In fact, postnasal drip is one of the most common causes of a cough that just won't go away.
If the mucus plugs up your Eustachian tube, which connects your throat to your middle ear, you could get a painful ear infection. You could also get a sinus infection if those passages are clogged.
Postnasal drip and nausea
Nausea isn't a typical symptom of postnasal drip. But if too much mucus drains into your stomach, it can cause nausea or vomiting.
Some people may also have nausea when taking certain medications used to treat postnasal drip symptoms such as decongestants. These medications can cause stomach upset and may lead to nausea in some individuals. If you're experiencing nausea while taking these medications, talk to your doctor about alternative treatment options.
To figure out what's causing your postnasal drip, your doctor will:
Your doctor may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor, called an otolaryngologist. The ENT doctor may recommend a nasal endoscopy. This procedure looks inside your nasal cavity and the openings of your sinuses using a special device called an endoscope -- a thin flexible tube with a camera and a light. They may also order imaging tests such as X-rays.
If your doctor thinks allergies are causing your postnasal drip, they may refer you to an allergy doctor for testing and treatment.
How you treat postnasal drip depends on what's causing it.
Over-the-counter medications
Antihistamines and decongestants can often help with postnasal drip caused by sinusitis and viral infections. They also can be effective, along with steroid nasal sprays, for postnasal drip caused by allergies.
The older, over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines, including diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), might not be the best choices for postnasal drip. When they dry out mucus, they can actually thicken it. They also may make you drowsy.
Newer antihistamines may be better options and are less likely to cause drowsiness. They include:
It's a good idea to check with your doctor before taking these because all of them can have side effects that range from dizziness to dry mouth.
Oral decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed), can shrink swollen blood vessels and tissues in your nasal and sinus passages. This can help unblock a stuffy nose and cause fewer postnasal drips.
OTC corticosteroid nasal sprays can also help. They include:
Nasal spray decongestants containing oxymetazoline (Afrin or Vicks Sinex) can often stop postnasal drip more quickly. But these should be taken for no more than a couple of days. Anything longer than that can create a rebound effect, making your congestion worse.
Prescription medication
If OTC medications don't help, you may need a prescription medication. If postnasal drip is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics can help clear up the infection and stop the drip.
Antibiotics don't work on colds and other viral infections.
Prescription medications for postnasal drip may include nasal sprays like beclomethasone and ipratropium (Atrovent).
Deviated septum surgery
In cases where a deviated septum causes postnasal drip, surgery to straighten your septum, called a septoplasty, leads to better airflow. It's a more permanent solution to postnasal drip.
Other methods
Postnasal drip can also cause mucus buildup. To thin out your mucus, you can use saline or medicated nasal sprays. You can also take a mucus-thinning medication such as guaifenesin (Mucinex).
For centuries, people have treated postnasal drip with all kinds of home remedies. Probably the best known and most loved is hot chicken soup.
While it won't cure you, hot soup or any hot liquid might give you some temporary relief and comfort. It works because the steam from the hot liquid opens up your stuffy nose and throat. It also thins out mucus. And because it's a fluid, the hot soup will help prevent dehydration, which will make you feel better, too.
Because postnasal drip can cause thick mucus, keeping it thin can help relieve symptoms. Thick mucus is stickier and more likely to bother you. Keeping mucus thin helps prevent blockages in the ears and sinuses. A simple way to thin it out is to drink more water.
Other home remedies
To manage postnasal drip and the thick mucus it causes:
Postnasal drip is a common symptom of many respiratory and cold viruses. But with more than 200 cold viruses, it can prove difficult to prevent catching a cold. Viruses can spread through the air and can linger on surfaces that you touch every day. But there are some things you can do to lower your risk of getting sick, or developing postnasal drip.
Wash your hands
To prevent the spread of germs, wash your hands before and after:
Also wash your hands after:
Get vaccinated
Get recommended vaccines, such as the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, to help prevent you from getting sick with a virus in the first place.
Prevent allergies
If you have allergies, you can take OTC allergy medication before spring allergy season to help prevent postnasal drip.
Cromolyn (Nasalcrom) is an OTC nasal spray that helps prevent allergy symptoms in your nose. It reduces runny nose and postnasal drip. Cromolyn isn't an antihistamine, so it doesn't provide immediate relief of symptoms. It takes 1 to 2 weeks to work and for best results should be taken before allergy season starts.
Your doctor may also recommend immunotherapy, or allergy shots, to prevent allergy symptoms before they start.
You can also prevent seasonal and other allergies, including indoor allergens, by reducing your triggers:
Most people experience postnasal drip at some point. It's a common symptom of colds, allergies, and infections. Most of the time, you can treat postnasal drip with OTC medications and at-home remedies. If you keep getting postnasal drip, or it doesn't go away and you have other symptoms, see your doctor to find out the cause and best way to treat it.
Call your doctor if:
These may be signs that you have a bacterial infection. And let your doctor know right away if you notice blood in your postnasal drip.
If medication doesn't relieve your symptoms, you might need to see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist (also called an otolaryngologist) for evaluation. Your doctor might want you to get a CT scan, X-rays, or other tests.
Postnasal drip is a common symptom of allergies, nasal irritants, and bacterial and viral infections that causes your nose to increase mucus production. The excess mucus then drips down the back of your throat. Postnasal drip causes other symptoms, including a sore throat, hoarse voice, lingering cough, and bad breath. If your postnasal drip gets worse, doesn't get better after 10 days, or you have a fever with it, see your doctor. They can help figure out what's causing it and how best to treat it.
What does postnasal drip feel like?
Your nose makes about a quart of mucus every day. Most of the time, you don't feel it because it mixes with saliva and you swallow it unnoticed. But when you have a nasal irritant or infection, your nose can produce more and thicker mucus. Postnasal drip feels like liquid dripping in the back of your throat. As the mucus builds up, it can make you feel congested or stuffed up. It can also feel like a sore, scratchy, or tickly throat.
What is the best over-the-counter medicine for postnasal drip?
There are several types of OTC medicines that can treat postnasal drip. But what works best will depend on what's causing your postnasal drip. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you choose one that's right for you and your symptoms.
What allergies cause postnasal drip?
Any allergy or irritant to your nose can cause a runny nose and increase postnasal drip. Examples are dust allergies or seasonal pollen allergies.
Why won't the mucus in my throat go away?
Mucus buildup can become thick, so it may take time to clear up. To help thin out thickened mucus, try using medicated or saline nasal sprays. An irrigation device called a neti pot can also flush out thick mucus. A hot steam shower can also help moisten your nasal passages and relieve congestion. You can take medication called guaifenesin (Mucinex) to thin out mucus. Sometimes when mucus builds up it can cause a bacterial infection, and you'll need antibiotics to help clear it up.
Does Flonase help with postnasal drip?
Flonase is an OTC steroid nasal spray that treats sneezing, itchy, or runny nose caused by seasonal allergies. It can help stop a runny nose and postnasal drip.
What Is Walking Pneumonia?
Also known as atypical pneumonia, "walking pneumonia" is a mild form of pneumonia , which is a lung infection. It is common in children aged 5-15 years old and adults younger than 40. As the symptoms are similar to other respiratory infections, you could have walking pneumonia and not even know it.
Walking pneumonia vs. Pneumonia
There are many kinds of pneumonia, and walking pneumonia is one of the least serious types. The symptoms are usually milder and don't require bedrest or a hospital visit. Walking pneumonia is usually diagnosed after a physical or an X-ray of the chest. In typical types of pneumonia, the X-ray would show one part of your lung that's affected. But if you have walking pneumonia, the X-ray will show the affected area as patches that are spread out.
Another difference between atypical pneumonia and pneumonia lies in their symptoms. With walking pneumonia, you may have a dry cough and a lower fever. With pneumonia, your fever could be higher (101-105 F) and your cough may have phlegm (filled with mucus).
About 5%-10% of cases of walking pneumonia turn into pneumonia.
Walking pneumonia, also known as atypical pneumonia, is a mild form of the lung infection pneumonia. It is common in school-age children. As the symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory infections, you could have walking pneumonia and not even know it. (Photo credit: E+/Getty Images)
Walking pneumonia is how some people describe a mild case of pneumonia. Your doctor might call it "atypical pneumonia" because it's not like more serious cases.
A lung infection is often to blame. Lots of things can cause it, including:
Walking pneumonia is usually caused by a bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which can be hard to detect on a regular test for a bacterial infection (bacteria culture test).
Anyone can get it. Walking pneumonia from mycoplasma is most common in children, people involved in military training, and adults younger than 40.
People who live and work in crowded places -- such as schools, dorms, military barracks, and nursing homes -- are more likely to come into contact with it.
You're also more at risk for walking pneumonia if you have:
Late summer and fall are the most common times of year for walking pneumonia. But infections can happen throughout the year.
Walking pneumonia spreads through sneezes or coughs. But it spreads slowly. If you get it, you could be contagious (which means you could spread it to other people) for up to 10 days.
Researchers think it takes a lot of close contact with an infected person for a healthy person to catch walking pneumonia. Still, there are widespread outbreaks every 4-8 years.
Symptoms generally start 15-25 days after you're exposed to mycoplasma and slowly get worse over 2-4 days. You might have:
Some people with walking pneumonia may also have an ear infection, anemia, or a skin rash. But others won't have to stay in bed or the hospital and might even feel good enough to go to work and maintain a regular routine, having symptoms similar to those of a cold.
If you have a new cough, fever, or shortness of breath, call your doctor to talk about whether it might be COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus.
Walking pneumonia symptoms in children
Walking pneumonia is the most common cause of pneumonia in children of school age. If your child has this type of pneumonia, symptoms can include:
Some children who have airway conditions may develop wheezing. Symptoms can last 1 to 4 weeks.
To confirm whether you have walking pneumonia, your doctor may start with a physical exam, including listening to your chest for the sounds of your lungs. They may also ask about your symptoms and if you've been around anyone with similar symptoms. Your doctor might then order tests, including:
Many over-the-counter medicines for cold and flu may not ease all of your symptoms.
Your doctor might prescribe antibiotics if they think your infection is caused by bacteria. Medications include macrolide antibiotics (such as Zithromax or Biaxin) or tetracyclines (such as Emtet-500 or Acticlate), which can be used in adults and children, or fluoroquinolones (such as Cipro or Levaquin), which are usually only prescribed for adults.
They can help you recover faster if you start them early.
If you have walking pneumonia that was caused by a virus, you let it run its course; however, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help with fever and certain over- the-counter medications can help with cold-like symptoms such as mucus, congestion, and cough.
Tell your doctor about any other medicines you take or plan to take. Drink plenty of fluids and give yourself lots of time to rest.
Although a cough can last weeks or months after treatment, you should start to feel better within 3 to 5 days. If you feel that you are recovering slower than expected or your symptoms get worse, talk to your doctor.
It's possible. You might have some immunity for a while, but it's not clear how long it lasts. If you do get it again, it may be milder than the first time.
There's no vaccine for mycoplasma infection, so you can't completely prevent it. But you can take some steps to lower your chances of getting it:
Walking pneumonia is a common infection that usually has mild symptoms that are similar to cold symptoms. If you have walking pneumonia, you may not have many symptoms and can treat the condition at home with over-the-counter medications, plenty of water, and rest. Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms, as they can prescribe certain medications that can speed up your recovery. Also, catching the condition early can prevent it from progressing to a more serious type of pneumonia.
What are the first signs of walking pneumonia? Some of the first signs of walking pneumonia include a cough, sore throat, fever, headache, and ear and chest pain. The cough that comes with the condition can continue for months.
What are the four stages of walking pneumonia? Stage I is congestion, during which you may have a cough and feel tired. Stage II is red hepatization, where red and white blood cells multiply due to the bacteria infection (your lungs become red). In Stage III, gray hepatization, the damage to your red blood cells causes your lungs to become gray in color. During Stage IV, the resolution stage, your airways improve and the inflammation in your fluid and damage to your cells goes away. This is the stage when you'll begin to feel better.
What happens if pneumonia is left untreated? For many people treatment is not needed; however, if your symptoms get worse or your recovery is slower, talk to your doctor. Walking pneumonia can turn into a more serious form of pneumonia.
Does walking pneumonia go away by itself? Walking pneumonia can go away without treatment, but it might take longer for your symptoms to go away. Your doctor can prescribe antibiotics to help you recover faster.
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