Because it often causes mild symptoms that do not interfere with daily activities, mycoplasma pneumonia is also called walking pneumonia or atypical pneumonia. It affects the lungs and respiratory tract. By practicing good hygiene and avoiding close contact with infected people, you can prevent mycoplasma pneumonia in children and young adults, especially in crowded settings like schools, colleges, or nursing homes.
Causes
Among the smallest and simplest bacteria that can infect humans, Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes mycoplasma pneumonia. As a result of respiratory droplets, saliva, or contact with contaminated objects, the bacterium spreads from person to person. The incubation period for mycoplasma pneumonia is usually 16 to 18 days, but can range from 12 to 25 days. The most contagious period for mycoplasma pneumonia patients is two to five days prior to the onset of symptoms.
Symptoms
Mycoplasma pneumonia symptoms vary depending on the severity of the infection, but they usually include:
- Fever
- Dry cough
- The throat is sore
- Having a headache
- Tiredness
- Pain in the muscles
- Pain in the chest
- Breathing difficulties
Some people with mycoplasma pneumonia have no symptoms at all, or only mild symptoms such as a cold or a chest infection. Others may develop more serious complications, such as:
- Infections of the ears
- Having a sinus infection
- Acute bronchitis
- Infection with pneumonia
- Exacerbations of asthma
- Rashes on the skin
- Inflammation of the joints
- Problems with the heart
- Disorders of the nervous system
Diagnosis
Symptoms, medical history, and laboratory tests are used to diagnose mycoplasma pneumonia. If the patient exhibits signs of lung infection, such as crackles, wheezes, and reduced breath sounds, the doctor will examine them. Additionally, the doctor will ask about the onset, duration, and severity of the symptoms, as well as possible exposure to infected individuals.
Mycoplasma pneumonia can be diagnosed with the following laboratory tests:
- A blood test will detect antibodies against Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which indicates an infection that has occurred or may have occurred. As the antibodies may take several weeks to form, or may persist for a long time after the infection is gone, these tests may not be accurate or reliable.
- A sputum test is used to collect and analyze mucus from the lungs, which may contain Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria. However, these tests may not be available or feasible, since the bacteria are difficult to grow and isolate.
- These tests are more sensitive and specific than the other tests, but may not be widely accessible or affordable. They detect the genetic material of the Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria in blood, sputum, or throat swabs.
Treatment
Antibiotics can kill Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria and shorten the duration of symptoms. Some antibiotics that are effective against Mycoplasma pneumoniae include:
- The macrolides azithromycin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin
- Doxycycline and tetracyclines are tetracyclines
- Levofloxacin and moxifloxacin are fluoroquinolones
Depending on the patient’s age, weight, medical condition, and allergy history, the doctor will prescribe an appropriate antibiotic, dose, and duration. The patient should take the antibiotic as directed, and complete the full course, even if the symptoms improve or disappear. Stopping the antibiotic too soon may lead to relapse, resistance, or complications.
Mycoplasma pneumonia may also be treated with:
- Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or cough suppressants may be used to reduce fever, pain, or cough. The patient should, however, avoid aspirin, especially in children, since it may cause a rare but serious condition called Reye's syndrome in children.
- A patient should drink plenty of water, juice, or broth to avoid dehydration, and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which may worsen symptoms or interact with antibiotics.
- Getting enough sleep and avoiding strenuous activity will help the body heal and recover.
- A humidifier or vaporizer can moisten the air and ease breathing, or the patient can inhale steam from a bowl of hot water or a shower to ease breathing.
- Quitting smoking or avoiding secondhand smoke will prevent further damage to the lungs and respiratory tract.
Prevention
Practice good hygiene and avoid close contact with people who are infected to prevent Mycoplasma pneumonia.
- Frequently and thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- When coughing or sneezing, cover the mouth and nose with a tissue or a sleeve, and dispose of the tissue properly
- Sharing utensils, cups, or other items that may contain saliva or respiratory secretions
- Surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with bacteria should be cleaned and disinfected
- When in crowded or poorly ventilated places, or when in contact with sick people, wear a mask or face covering
- Isolating yourself from others when sick, until the symptoms subside or the doctor says it's safe to return to normal activities
- You may reduce the risk of complications or co-infections by getting vaccinated against other types of pneumonia, such as pneumococcal or influenza
- When signs or symptoms of mycoplasma pneumonia appear, seek medical attention as soon as possible, especially in children, older adults, or people with chronic diseases or weakened immune systems.
FAQs
- What is Mycoplasma pneumonia?
- Mycoplasma pneumonia is a bacterial infection of the lungs. It is caused by a bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae- one of the most common bacteria causing upper respiratory tract infection, acute bronchitis and pneumonia in adults and children.
- What are the symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumonia
- Mycoplasma pneumonia can cause shortness of breath, sore throat, cough with or without sputum production, fever, chills, chest pain, headache, generalized weakness/fatigue, runny nose, and earache.
- How do you diagnose Mycoplasma pneumonia?
- Mycoplasma pneumonia is diagnosed through chest X-ray, sputum culture, PCR test, or blood test.
- What is the treatment for Mycoplasma pneumonia?
- Mycoplasma pneumonia is treated with antibiotics such as is it through azithromycin or doxycycline.
- How long does Mycoplasma pneumonia last for?
- Mycoplasma pneumonia can last for two to four weeks, however with appropriate antibiotic treatment, the symptoms get better in three to five days.
- Can Mycoplasma pneumonia cause complications?
- Yes, Mycoplasma pneumonia can cause complications like respiratory failure, sepsis, meningitis and encephalitis.
- How long does it take to recover from Mycoplasma pneumonia?
- Although complete recovery might take two to four weeks for most people, most of the patients start to feel better within two to three days of starting antibiotics.
- Can I get Mycoplasma pneumonia more than once?
- Yes, it is possible to get mycoplasma pneumonia more than once.
- How does Mycoplasma pneumonia spread? How do you get Mycoplasma pneumonia?
- Mycoplasma pneumonia is transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets. It commonly spreads among persons living in close proximity such as households, schools, and group living facilities.
- Does Mycoplasma pneumonia require isolation?
- Yes, patients with active Mycoplasma pneumonia infection are recommended to stay home, not attend to work or school to prevent the spread of infection. Hospitalized patients are placed in droplet precautions while in the hospital. Non hospitalized patients should follow infection prevention strategies.
- Is Mycoplasma pneumonia contagious?
- Yes, Mycoplasma pneumonia is contagious. It is spread through respiratory droplets and close contact with an infected person
- Do I need to wear a mask for Mycoplasma pneumonia?
- If you are a patient suffering from mycoplasma pneumonia, it is recommended to wear a mask to prevent the spread of your infection. If you are a close contact of a patient with mycoplasma pneumonia, it would also be recommended to wear a mask until the patient symptoms like cough and fevers improve.
- Can Mycoplasma pneumonia be prevented?
- Yes, Mycoplasma pneumonia can be prevented by avoiding close contact with Mycoplasma pneumonia patients, following good hygiene, covering mouth when coughing or sneezing, wearing mask when having active symptoms or in close contact with patient, washing hands with soap and water, and using alcohol based hand sanitizer.
- Does Mycoplasma pneumonia cause a rash?
- Yes, the bacteria that causes Mycoplasma pneumonia can sometimes cause skin rashes.
- Does Mycoplasma pneumonia cause fever?
- Yes, fever is a common symptom of Mycoplasma pneumonia.
- Does Mycoplasma pneumonia cause diarrhea?
- No, diarrhea is not common symptom of Mycoplasma pneumonia.
- Is Mycoplasma pneumonia an infection?
- Yes, Mycoplasma pneumonia is a bacterial infection caused by a bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
- Is Mycoplasma pneumonia a bacterial or viral infection?
- Mycoplasma pneumonia is a bacterial infection caused by a bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
- Does Mycoplasma pneumoniae have a cell wall?
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae does not have a cell wall. It is one of the smallest free living organisms. It is not visible on a gram stain because it lacks a cell wall.
- Does Mycoplasma pneumonia require antibiotics?
- Yes, Mycoplasma pneumonia requires antibiotic treatment for three to five days, with antibiotics like azithromycin or doxycycline.
- Does Mycoplasma pneumonia show on an x-ray?
- Yes, Mycoplasma pneumonia can be visible on a chest X-ray.
