What are the routes of Mycoplasma infection?

Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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Mycoplasma pneumoniae primarily infects healthy individuals through respiratory transmission. Healthy people often get infected by inhaling nasal and oral secretions expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes. After infection, it often causes pharyngitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia, with symptoms such as fever, fatigue, sore throat, headache, cough, and loss of appetite. Once infected, it is important to rest, follow the doctor's medication treatment to control symptoms, shorten the course of treatment, and recover as soon as possible.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Can mycoplasma infection be cured?

Mycoplasma infection is quite common clinically. After infecting the human body, it can cause pneumonia and mycoplasmal pneumonia. So, can mycoplasma infection be cured? Generally speaking, mycoplasma infection is a self-limiting disease. Even without medication, most patients can recover by themselves. Medication can help alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness. Clinically, macrolides or fluoroquinolones are often used to treat mycoplasma infections. Therefore, mycoplasma infection can be cured.

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Written by Peng Miao Yun
Internal Medicine
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Characteristics of Cough Symptoms in Mycoplasma Infection

Mycoplasma infection cough is a prominent symptom characterized by an incubation period. Dry cough appears two to three days later, followed by episodes of coughing. Cough may be accompanied by a small amount of mucus, or viscous secretions, sometimes with streaks of blood. The cough generally lasts for a long time, persisting for one to two weeks, and if not well managed, it can continue for about a month. Severe cough can be treated symptomatically with asthma-relieving and cough-suppressing medications.

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Written by Li Tao
Pulmonology
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Is mycoplasma infection contagious?

Usually, when we talk about mycoplasma infection, we are mainly referring to mycoplasma pneumonia, an inflammation caused by the infection of the lung tissue and bronchi by mycoplasma. This condition is collectively known as mycoplasma pneumonia. Mycoplasma pneumonia often starts slowly. Some people may experience an irritating cough, producing a small amount of white, sticky phlegm, along with fever, headaches, and even muscle soreness throughout the body in some cases. In most cases, mycoplasma pneumonia can be cured; the body’s immune system can overcome it. However, the severity may increase when the body’s immune functions are impaired. Moreover, mycoplasma pneumonia is contagious. If an infection is confirmed, isolation is necessary, and attention should be given to ventilating and disinfecting the room.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Does a mycoplasma infection cause a contagious cough?

Cough symptoms caused by mycoplasma infection are indeed contagious. They can be transmitted through breathing, coughing, and sneezing as these actions release mycoplasma pathogens into the air. These pathogens can then spread to others via airborne droplets. Therefore, it is recommended to isolate the affected individual, wear masks for protection, and, upon diagnosis, promptly choose to administer macrolide antibiotics orally or intravenously to eliminate the mycoplasma pathogens. Additionally, cough suppressants should be used according to the nature of the cough for symptomatic treatment. It is also advised to drink plenty of water, rest adequately, measure body temperature twice daily, avoid spicy and overly greasy foods, and ensure sufficient quality sleep. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor, according to the specific situation.)

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Is a weakly positive mycoplasma infection serious?

To determine whether a medical condition is severe, one cannot rely solely on a single test but must consider clinical symptoms and other diagnostic results comprehensively. For instance, Mycoplasma infection can lead to pneumonia, known as Mycoplasma pneumonia. If there is severe fever, especially persistent high fever, the condition is likely more serious. Furthermore, if there are extrapulmonary manifestations, such as dermatitis, pleural effusion, or otitis media, the situation is also relatively severe. Additionally, if lung imaging shows extensive or numerous shadows, it indicates a more serious condition.