Detailed Information on Mycoplasmal Pneumonia

                                                                                         

Mycoplasma pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae). Pneumonia is an inflammation of one or both lungs. Mycoplasmal pneumonia usually affects children and young adults. M. pneumoniae is a common cause of meek pneumonia that frequently affects people younger than 40. Mycoplasmal pneumonia can occur at any time of the year, but large outbreaks tend to occur in the late summer and fall. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is spread through respiratory droplet transmission. The infection caused by this bacterium is called atypical pneumonia because of its protracted course and lack of sputum production.

Chronic mycoplasma infections have been involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatological diseases. People at highest risk for mycoplasma pneumonia involve those living or working in crowded areas such as schools and homeless covers. Common symptoms of mycoplasma pneumonia include headache, fever (may be high), chills, excessive sweating, cough, chest pain and sore throat. Other frequently seen symptoms include skin lesions or rash, eye pain or soreness, muscle aches and joint stiffness, neck lump, rapid breathing and ear pain.

Mycoplasma pneumonia is transmitted from person-to-person contact through respiratory secretions during coughing and sneezing. Mycoplasma pneumonia has an incubation stage of about 1 to 4 weeks, which means it may take up to four weeks after exposure to get mycoplasma pneumonia. However, over this time period, symptoms may slowly begin to appear. All ages may be affected by mycoplasma pneumonia; however children under the age of 5 years are rarely affected. Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the type of organism causing the infection.

Antibiotics may be prescribed for more sedate symptoms linked to mycoplasma pneumonia. Empiric antimicrobial therapy must be inclusive and should cover all likely pathogens in the context of the clinical setting. Bacterial pneumonia is often treated with penicillin, ampicillin clavulanate and erythromycin. Home care includes rest and a high-protein diet with enough fluids. Prevention is better than cure. Infants and people in poor health, especially those with weakened immune systems due to HIV, or other conditions, should avoid contact with people with mycoplasma pneumonia.

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Juliet Cohen writes articles for beauty blog. She also writes articles for new hairstyles and hairstyles blog.

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