Mycoplasma pneumonia, typically known as ‘walking pneumonia’, is an infection of the lungs. A doctor may suspect pneumonia if a stethoscope applied to the chest allows him or her to hear crackling, coarse breathing, or wheezing. Patients suspected of having mycoplasma are generally subjected to blood tests, which are examined for antibodies to the mycoplasma bacteria. Antibodies are cells created by the body to fight infection, and the presence of antibodies in large numbers typically indicates an infection in that person. Other tests may include a sputum culture, or a test on the secretions of the lungs, or a chest x-ray to examine the lungs. Because untreated pneumonia can cause complications and can even be life-threatening, particularly for patients with weakened immune systems due to age or diseases like HIV, it is important to see a physician if pneumonia is suspected.
In healthy individuals, mycoplasma pneumonia can often go away on its own. This happens in many cases because mycoplasma pneumonia is often confused with a bad chest cold, and thus patients do not seek medical care when experiencing mild cases. Recovery time in untreated individuals can last as long as one month or more for all symptoms, particularly coughing and weakness, to go away entirely.
If treated by a doctor, most commonly the patient is given a prescription for a course of antibiotics. Mycoplasma pneumonia is typically treated with tetracycline, erythromycin, azithromycin (Zithromax) or clarithromycin (Biaxin). Even with antibiotics, fatigue can continue after the infection has gone away entirely.
Along with medication, patients are recommended to get plenty of bedrest. Lots of fluids are typically also advised. Patients with mycoplasma pneumonia should eat a proper, healthy diet in order to facilitate recovery. Some over-the-counter medications may be used to treat specific symptoms, such as cough suppressants and pain relievers. However, cough suppressants should be used sparingly in order to allow the person to clear their lungs through coughing. To reduce fever, acetaminophen may be used, as well as aspirin (in adults only). In severe cases, if an individual becomes hospitalized, artificial ventilation may be necessary.
Follow-up appointments may sometimes be needed for mycoplasma pneumonia. This is particularly the case for smokers, who often have greater difficulty in recovering from the infection and may require additional treatment. Typically, the follow-up appointment may include chest X-rays. The patient should be sure to let the doctor know of any ongoing symptoms at the time of the follow-up.
Tags: erythromycin, mycoplasma, mycoplasma bacteria, Walking Pneumonia, weakened immune systems