Dr said that my 4y/o daughter has walking pneumonia after seeing her chest x-ray and listening to her chest. radiology rpt is negative. what is it?

Lung: Walking pneumonia is often not seen on xray and is usually diagnosed by hostory and exam. It is caused by atypical bacteria but is easily treated.

Exam vs X-ray: A doctor can often hear a pneumonia on a child days before the x-ray will turn positive. S/he can also miss a pneumonia that shows up on x-ray if the common sounds are not audible. In kids, the x-rays will often remain positive for up to six weeks after the pneumonia has cleared with treatment. It is the combination of exam, lab and tests in the hands of a trained doc that comes up with answers.

Lung infection: Walking pneumonia is an infection in the lungs which is treatable with antibiotics. It is typically not a severe infection.