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

46sec

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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.

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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 Wang Xiang Yu

Pulmonology

1min 26sec

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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 Guo Xiao Yun

Pulmonology

1min 7sec

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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

Pulmonology

38sec

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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.