Mycoplasma pneumonia prominent symptoms

Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 13, 2024
00:00
00:00

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is most commonly responsible for lung infections, which we also refer to as mycoplasma pneumonia. The incubation period for mycoplasma pneumonia generally ranges from one to three weeks. The onset of the disease is quite varied, typically beginning gradually. Most patients primarily exhibit symptoms of low fever and fatigue, but a small proportion may experience a sudden onset of high fever, which can persist for an extended period. Additionally, the most pronounced symptom is a dry cough, characterized by intense coughing with little to no phlegm and long duration, sometimes lasting over a month. Moreover, some patients may also experience a sore throat and blood-streaked sputum. A very few patients, in addition to respiratory symptoms, may exhibit extrapulmonary symptoms primarily presenting as measles-like rashes. Very rarely, complications such as pericarditis, myocarditis, and meningitis may occur, manifesting corresponding symptoms, although these cases are generally very rare.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
42sec home-news-image

The difference between Mycoplasma pneumonia and pneumonia

Mycoplasma pneumonia, which is also quite common clinically, differs from other types of pneumonia in that it is a specific type of pneumonia. Besides mycoplasma pneumonia, there are other types such as bacterial pneumonia, fungal pneumonia, viral pneumonia, and chlamydial pneumonia. For treating mycoplasma pneumonia, it is crucial to actively cooperate with the doctor for medication to shorten the course of the disease and alleviate suffering. Commonly used medications include macrolides and fluoroquinolones, among others. Additionally, symptomatic treatment drugs such as antipyretics and cough suppressants can be used. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
1min 3sec home-news-image

Are Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Mycoplasma the same?

Are Mycoplasma pneumoniae and mycoplasmas the same? The answer is of course that there are differences. The concept of mycoplasma is quite broad. Mycoplasma, also known as Mollicutes, represents the smallest and simplest of known prokaryotes. There are many types of mycoplasma, and they exist widely in nature. Currently, more than eighty types have been identified, but the most common ones related to human diseases are four types, among which Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the most common. It can cause pulmonary infections. Apart from the common Mycoplasma pneumoniae that causes pulmonary infections, there are other types that can also cause human diseases, such as human mycoplasma, genital mycoplasma, etc. Other types of mycoplasmas primarily cause infections in the urinary or reproductive tracts.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
43sec home-news-image

What is Mycoplasma pneumoniae afraid of?

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a relatively special microorganism, situated between bacteria and viruses. It is smaller than bacteria but larger than viruses. This type of mycoplasma can grow within bacterial cells through a filter. In such cases, clinically, we generally use specific medications to treat Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Typically, for respiratory infections caused by mycoplasma, we use macrolides or quinolones; for urinary tract infections, quinolones are usually the preferred treatment. Therefore, the medication choice should be based on the location of the infection. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
56sec home-news-image

How many days of fever does Mycoplasma pneumoniae cause?

Mycoplasma pneumonia generally causes fever, but the duration of the fever varies depending on the patient's physical constitution and the severity of the illness. If the patient has a strong constitution and good resistance, the fever might improve within two to three days. However, if the patient has a weaker constitution and lower resistance, the fever might persist for four to five days, which should be noted. If mycoplasma infection is confirmed, treatment should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor with medications targeting mycoplasma. It is also important to maintain a light diet, avoiding spicy, greasy, cold, and irritating foods, ensure adequate sleep, and enhance resistance. Regular exercise can also help strengthen the body and promote recovery from the disease.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
29sec home-news-image

How to test for Mycoplasma pneumoniae?

In clinical settings, if a Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is suspected, several tests are required. Common tests include cold agglutinin test, Mycoplasma pneumoniae antibodies and antigens, and various molecular biology techniques to detect the infection. Additionally, routine blood tests and lung imaging can be performed. If the results are positive, combined with clinical symptoms, it can generally be determined as a Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection.