How long should one take Azithromycin for Mycoplasma pneumonia?

Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
Updated on September 21, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
1min 6sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Guo Xiao Yun
Pulmonology
1min 7sec home-news-image

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.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
54sec home-news-image

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.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
29sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
36sec home-news-image

Symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection

In the initial stages of the disease, symptoms such as fatigue, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, and varying degrees of fever may occur. Two to three days later, significant respiratory symptoms appear, including paroxysmal, irritating coughs with a small amount of phlegm, sometimes purulent or blood-streaked. The fever persists for two to three weeks before subsiding, but the cough may continue for a while even after the fever has dissipated, often accompanied by substernal pain. Appropriate diagnostic tests should be conducted for confirmation.