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
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What is Mycoplasma pneumoniae?

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is relatively common in clinical settings, but what exactly is Mycoplasma pneumoniae? Mycoplasma pneumoniae is different from ordinary bacteria and also from viruses. It is smaller than bacteria but larger than viruses, and it exists between bacteria and viruses as the smallest microorganism that can live independently. After infecting humans, Mycoplasma pneumoniae often causes bronchial pneumonia, with symptoms such as fever and cough. After treatment with sensitive antibiotics, most cases can recover within two to three weeks.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Mycoplasma pneumoniae is asymptomatic.

If Mycoplasma pneumoniae is diagnosed in the body, although there are no discomforts or symptoms, appropriate treatment and intervention should still be taken. If the disease lasts for a long time, it may induce other pathological changes, which are harmful stimulations to health. Treating asymptomatic Mycoplasma pneumonia mainly involves using antimicrobial drugs to control the infection, and etiological treatment is sufficient. Patients with mild symptoms can take medication orally, such as choosing one from azithromycin, roxithromycin, clarithromycin, or erythromycin. If conservative treatment is not effective, intravenous medication may be administered. (Specific medication use should be carried out 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.

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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.)

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
1min 26sec home-news-image

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.