MYCOPLASMA PNEUMONIAE
Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria commonly cause mild infections of the respiratory system.
Lung infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae are sometimes referred to as an atypical “walking pneumonia” since symptoms are generally mild. Other doctors have nicknamed it ‘Chlamydia of the lung’ as people can have it for years and not notice.
People can have the bacteria in their nose or throat without being ill and it may move to the lungs when somebody is run down such as a deficiency in vitamins, minerals, poor sleep or liver issues.
Symptoms:
Mycoplasma pneumonia may mimic an upper respiratory infection or common cold rather than pneumonia. These symptoms usually consist of:
- Dry cough that can last for weeks or months
- Persistent fever
- Malaise
- Mild shortness of breath
- Headache
Chronic mycoplasma can also cause headaches, fatigue, asthma like symptoms and a feeling of being run down.
Diagnosis:
In order to make a diagnosis, your doctor will listen with a stethoscope for any abnormal sounds in your breathing.
Your doctor may also order blood tests to confirm the infection or a chest xray.
Treatment:
Antibiotics are the first line of treatment for mycoplasma infection.
Sometimes antibiotics alone are not enough and you need to be treated with corticosteroids to manage the inflammation such as a puffer.
