Mycoplasma pneumonia is called atypical pneumonia because its symptoms are different from other bacterial pneumonias . The disease can cause many symptoms and in severe cases, the patient must be hospitalized for treatment.
Learn general
What is Mycoplasma pneumonia?
Mycoplasma pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae . This is an atypical pneumonia because it has different symptoms from other common infectious pneumonias.
Common symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumonia?
Symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumonia are usually mild and appear within 1 to 3 weeks after infection. Common symptoms may include:
- Chest tightness
- Feeling cold
- Dry cough
- Fever
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Sweating a lot
Some less common symptoms include:
- Ear hurt
- Face pain and eye pain
- Muscle pain and stiffness
- Breathe quickly
- Skin damage or rash
You may experience other symptoms and signs not mentioned. If you have any questions about the symptoms, consult your doctor.
When do you need to see a doctor?
You should call your doctor or go to the hospital if the above symptoms persist and show no signs of improvement. The constitution and medical condition may be different in many people. Always discuss with your doctor to determine the best diagnosis, treatment and treatment method for you.
The cause to the illness
What causes Mycoplasma pneumonia?
Infection occurs when you inhale airborne droplets that an infected person coughs or sneezes. These saliva particles contain a bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae that causes pneumonia.
Infections caused by Mycoplasma bacteria are often transmitted rapidly between people living or working in a confined space such as a home, school or workplace.
Risk of getting it
Who often gets pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma?
This disease often appears in people under 40 years old. You can limit your chances of getting the disease by minimizing your risk factors. Please consult your doctor for more information.
What factors increase the risk of Mycoplasma pneumonia?
Currently, there is not enough information to determine factors that increase the risk of pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma. However, people with weak immune systems or who have just recovered from respiratory illnesses are at higher risk of contracting this disease. In addition, people who often live in crowded places are also likely to get the disease.
Effective treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor.
What are the medical techniques used to diagnose Mycoplasma pneumonia?
Your doctor will diagnose the disease based on your medical history and physical exam results. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe tests such as:
- Complete blood count test
- Blood tests
- Bronchoscopy
- Chest CT scan
- Measure oxygen and CO2 levels in the blood
- Take nasal or throat fluid for bacterial culture
- Open lung biopsy (only performed in severe cases that cannot be diagnosed by other methods)
- Sputum test to detect Mycoplasma bacteria
What methods are used to treat pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma?
You can take aspirin , nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen ) or acetaminophen to reduce fever. However, you should note that aspirin should not be used for young children without a doctor’s prescription. Rest and drinking lots of water can also help relieve the disease.
In addition, if home treatments are still not effective, you need to go to the hospital to be examined and treated by a doctor. Your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics for use at home. If the condition becomes severe, you may need to be hospitalized for treatment. At this time, you will be given intravenous antibiotics as well as oxygen.
Suitable living regime
What living habits help you limit the progression of pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma?
The following living habits and lifestyle will help you limit the progression of pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma:
- Take antibiotics exactly as your doctor prescribes. Use the medicine on time until it runs out
- Use acetaminophen (paracetamol) or aspirin (except in children) to reduce fever and pain
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
What living habits help prevent pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma bacteria?
You can prevent Mycoplasma pneumonia by
- Wash your hands frequently
- Avoid contact with sick people
- If your immune system is weak, stay away from crowded places
- No smoking
- Get a flu shot every year. Ask your doctor for more advice about pneumonia vaccines.
