What should I do about Mycoplasma pneumonia?

Written by Guo Xiao Yun
Pulmonology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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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 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 Wang Xiang Yu
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How is Mycoplasma pneumonia treated?

The primary treatment method for Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the use of antimicrobial drugs targeting Mycoplasma pneumoniae. As Mycoplasma is quite unique, being neither bacteria nor virus but a small microorganism that lies between the two, many antibiotics are ineffective against it. Therefore, the choice of antimicrobial drugs is very important in treating Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Currently, the most commonly used are three major classes, the first being macrolides, such as erythromycin, roxithromycin, azithromycin, etc. However, the resistance rate of Mycoplasma to macrolide drugs is relatively high, reaching over forty percent in some regions. Another commonly used class is fluoroquinolones, such as levofloxacin and moxifloxacin, but these drugs can only be used in adults over eighteen years of age. Another option is the tetracycline class, with commonly used drugs including doxycycline. Besides antimicrobial treatment, patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae often experience severe coughing and phlegm; at this time, we may selectively use some antitussive drugs. Specific drug treatments should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.

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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 Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Mycoplasma pneumoniae elevated causes

Hospital tests show elevated levels of Mycoplasma pneumoniae, indicating an infection with this pathogen in the body. This can cause symptoms such as sore throat, cough, fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing, although symptoms may not be typical in some patients. Regardless of the presence of these symptoms, once a Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is confirmed, it is necessary to choose sensitive antimicrobial drugs to control the infection. Typically, macrolide antibiotics such as Roxithromycin, Azithromycin, or Clarithromycin can be selected. Generally, one of these is chosen and used over a course of treatment. A re-examination should be conducted seven to ten days later. During the treatment period, avoid consuming spicy foods, seafood, and fried or pickled foods. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Han Shun Li
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Is Mycoplasma pneumoniae stubborn?

After Mycoplasma pneumoniae infects the human body, it often causes acute bronchitis and pneumonia, with symptoms such as fever and cough. Then, is Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection stubborn, and is it easy to treat? Generally speaking, Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is self-limiting, meaning it can resolve on its own even without medication. The natural course of the disease may last 3 to 4 weeks, and some patients may experience a longer duration. However, if treated with sensitive antibiotics, the duration of the disease may shorten to about 2 to 3 weeks. Therefore, Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is not considered a particularly stubborn disease and is relatively easy to treat.