What is Mycoplasma pneumoniae afraid of?

Written by Yuan Qing
Pulmonology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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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.)

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Is Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia?

This indicates a manifestation of pneumonia, which is associated with mycoplasma infection, one type of pathogen that causes pneumonia. Clinically, there are many pathogens that can cause pneumonia such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, mycoplasma, and tuberculosis bacteria. Mycoplasma pneumonia refers to the disease caused by this type of infection, and treatment generally involves the use of macrolide antibiotics, either orally or intravenously, to reduce inflammation. Additionally, body temperature should be measured frequently and hydration maintained. For patients with high fever and thickened sputum, timely selection of antibiotics is necessary. Supportive care should also be provided to prevent complications like febrile seizures. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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What can you eat with Mycoplasma pneumonia?

Patients with Mycoplasma pneumonia should pay attention to their diet, focusing on light foods, especially during the acute phase of the illness, where primarily liquid foods are recommended. For example, foods such as porridge, soft noodles, and soups should be prioritized, while avoiding hard-to-digest foods. Additionally, during the recovery phase, although normal diet can be resumed, it is advised to continue with a light diet such as drinking some millet or vegetable porridge and consuming vegetables like baby greens, winter melon, cucumber, loofah, and bitter gourd. Also, drinking more water to promote metabolism and enhance immunity is beneficial, as well as consuming nutritious soups like wonton or dough drop soup, which do not negatively impact the illness and help in increasing metabolism and immunity, facilitating a quicker recovery.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
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Is Mycoplasma pneumoniae contagious?

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is infectious. In fact, we need to understand what Mycoplasma pneumoniae is: it is a relatively small microorganism that can live independently, positioned between bacteria and viruses. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is spread through the respiratory tract—normal people can become infected by inhaling secretions expelled through coughing, sneezing, laughing, or talking loudly by someone who has Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. Transmission mainly occurs via the respiratory route. Clinically, it is common to find sequential or simultaneous occurrences of Mycoplasma pneumoniae among inhabitants of a dormitory or members of a household. Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia is widespread globally, and most cases are sporadic, with regional outbreaks happening approximately every three to six years. These outbreaks can last for a long time, sometimes over a year.

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Written by Guo Xiao Yun
Pulmonology
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What should I do about Mycoplasma pneumonia?

Do not be overly anxious if you develop mycoplasma pneumonia, as it is a common and frequently occurring disease in clinical settings, caused by an acute inflammatory response in the lungs due to mycoplasma infection. You can take oral antimicrobial drugs such as rhubarb-type agents, for example, azithromycin, typically for a course of two to three weeks. Since mycoplasma lacks a cell wall, it is resistant to antimicrobial drugs like cephalosporins and penicillins. If the patient also experiences symptoms of coughing and phlegm, oral antitussive and expectorant medications, such as ambroxol and bromhexine, should be administered. If fever symptoms occur, temperature changes should be managed accordingly. After two to three weeks of aggressive anti-infection treatment, a follow-up lung CT is necessary to check if the lesions have absorbed and improved. (Please follow medical advice regarding medication.)

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Written by Han Shun Li
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How long should one take Azithromycin for Mycoplasma pneumonia?

After Mycoplasma pneumoniae infects the human body, it often causes acute bronchitis and pneumonia, with symptoms such as fever, sore throat, headache, cough, and fatigue. In this case, using azithromycin for treatment, the general course of treatment is two to three weeks, after which most patients can recover. Additionally, antipyretic and cough suppressant medications can also be used to alleviate symptoms and reduce the patient's discomfort.