Atypical Pneumonia (Mycoplasma and Viral)
(Walking Pneumonia)
Definition | Causes | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prevention
Definition
Atypical pneumonia is a lung infection.
“Typical pneumonia” is a severe illness. It is usually caused by bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae or Klebsiella pneumoniae. Typical pneumonia tends to strike older individuals, especially those with heart or lung conditions.
In contrast, atypical pneumonia tends to be a milder illness. It is caused by a different assortment of bacteria or viruses, and it usually strikes healthy young people.
All types of pneumonia are potentially serious conditions that require care from your doctor.
The Lungs (Cut-away View)
© 2008 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Causes
Atypical pneumonia is usually caused by:
-
Bacteria
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- Chlamydia bacteria
- Coxiella burnetii
- Legionella
- Viruses
Risk Factors
The following factors increase your chance of developing atypical pneumonia:
- Being a child, adolescent, or young adult
- Living in closed communities, such as dormitories in boarding schools or colleges, and military barracks
- Cigarette smoking
- Lung disease
- Weakened immune system
Symptoms
If you experience any of these symptoms, do not assume the cause is due to pneumonia. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions.
- Fever (mild)
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Red eyes
- Chills
- Cough, often dry
- Sore throat
- Phlegm (sputum) production
- Muscle aches and pains
- Decreased appetite
- Headache
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fast breathing
- Intense fatigue
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Skin rash
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and do a physical exam. Tests may include the following:
- Chest x-ray —a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the chest; may reveal pneumonia
- Blood tests—testing your white blood cells can determine whether you are experiencing a bacterial or a viral infection. Other blood tests can identify the presence of certain bacteria or viruses.
- Blood cultures—bacteria or viruses may be grown from samples of your blood
- Sputum test—if you are coughing up sputum, you may be asked to collect some in a sterile container for testing; can reveal what type of bacteria is causing your illness
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
Antibiotics
Usually, atypical pneumonia due to bacteria can be treated with oral antibiotics at home. However, more severe pneumonia may require intravenous antibiotics in the hospital. Some of the antibiotics used to treat atypical pneumonia include erythromycin, azithromycin, and clarithromycin.
Viral pneumonia will not respond to antibiotic treatment.
Oxygen
If you are severely ill from pneumonia, you may need extra oxygen.
If you are diagnosed with pneumonia, follow your doctor's instructions.
Prevention
To help reduce your chances of getting pneumonia, take the following steps:
- Use good hand-washing techniques.
- Avoid contact with other ill people.
- Get treatment for your chronic conditions.
American Lung Association
http://www.lungusa.org/
National Institute for Allergies and Infectious Disease
http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/
The Canadian Lung Association
http://www.lung.ca/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html/
REFERENCES:
Blasi F, Tarsia P, Aliberti S, et al. Chlamydia pneumoniae and mycoplasma pneumoniae. Semin Respir Crit Care Med. 2005;26:617-624.
Cunha BA. The atypical pneumonias: clinical diagnosis and importance. Clin Microbiol Infect . 2006;12(Suppl)3:12-24.
Cunha BA. Atypical pneumonias: current clinical concepts focusing on Legionnaires' disease. Curr Opin Pulm Med. 2008;14:183-194. Review
Donowitz GR, Mandell GL, eds. In: Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 5th ed. London, England: Churchill Livingstone Inc; 2000.
Goetz MB. Pyogenic bacterial pneumonia, lung abscess, and emphysema. In: Mason R, Broaddus V, Courtney M, Murray JF. Murray & Nadel’s Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 4th ed. London, England: Elsevier; 2005.
Rosenow E. Walking pneumonia: What does it mean? Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/walking-pneumonia/AN00137 . Updated April 2009. Accessed July 21, 2009.
Schlossberg D. Mycoplasmal Infection. In: Russell C, Goldman L, Bennett J. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2004.
Thibodeau KP, Viera A.J. Atypical pathogens and challenges in community-acqiured pneumonia. Am Fam Physician . 2004;69:1699-1706.
Last reviewed September 2009 by Christine Colpitts, CRT, MA
Last Updated: 9/30/09