Is Mycoplasma pneumoniae contagious?

Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 14, 2024
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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 Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
1min 18sec home-news-image

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 Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
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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 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 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 Li Tao
Pulmonology
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Symptoms of Mycoplasma Pneumonia

Pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, known as Mycoplasma pneumonia, refers to acute inflammation of the respiratory tract and lungs caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It is usually accompanied by pharyngitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. This type of pneumonia accounts for one third of non-infectious pneumonia cases and 10% of pneumonia cases caused by various reasons. Clinically, after infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae, the symptoms usually appear gradually with a typical incubation period of two to three weeks. Some patients primarily experience fatigue, sore throat, headache, cough, and fever. Others may suffer from diarrhea, loss of appetite, muscle pain, and ear pain. The cough is generally paroxysmal and choking, with little sputum, and the fever can last two to three weeks. Some people may show extrapulmonary manifestations such as dermatitis. In children, complications such as periostitis or otitis media may occur, and there can be swelling of the cervical lymph nodes.