The difference between Mycoplasma pneumonia and pneumonia

Written by Han Shun Li

Pulmonology

Updated on September 26, 2024

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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.)

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Written by Han Shun Li

Pulmonology

29sec

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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.

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Written by Li Tao

Pulmonology

57sec

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Mycoplasma pneumoniae can cause

Mycoplasma pneumoniae can cause mycoplasma pneumonia, which refers to the acute inflammatory changes in the respiratory tract and lungs caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. At the same time, there can be pharyngitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Mycoplasma pneumonia accounts for more than one-third of non-bacterial pneumonia, or 10% of pneumonia caused by various reasons. Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia is more prevalent in the autumn and winter seasons, but the seasonal differences are not significant. After being infected with mycoplasma pneumonia, the first symptom may be fatigue, sore throat, and headache, followed by paroxysmal coughing, fever, loss of appetite, and some people may experience diarrhea, muscle pain, ear pain, etc. Most cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia can be cured, but a small number of people may worsen, requiring medical treatment.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu

Pulmonology

1min 3sec

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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.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu

Pulmonology

1min 18sec

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Mycoplasma pneumonia prominent symptoms

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.

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Written by Yuan Qing

Pulmonology

43sec

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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.)