What is Atypical Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. Atypical pneumonia refers to pneumonia caused by certain bacteria including Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma pneumonia, and Chlamydophyla menymoniae. Atypical pneumonia is also called “walking pneumonia” because the symptoms are so mild and people often don't know they have pneumonia.
How common is Atypical Pneumonia?
Anyone at any age can get atypical pneumonia. It generally affects people younger than 40 years of age.
Atypical pneumonia is an infectious disease. Generally scattered in crowded environments, such as households, schools, and workplaces, it occurs more often in winter than in other seasons.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Atypical Pneumonia?
Pneumonia due to mycoplasma and chlamydophila is usually mild. However, pneumonia due to Legionella pneumophilia has severe symptoms, especially in the first 4 to 6 days, and symptoms may be temporary until they completely disappear.
The most common symptoms of pneumonia are:
- Shivering
- Cough (with Legionella pneumonia you may cough up bloody sputum)
- A fever can be a mild fever or a high fever
- Difficulty breathing (may only occur if you force yourself)
Other symptoms include:
- Chest pain that gets worse when you take a deep breath or cough
- Confusion, especially in older people or in people with Legionella pneumonia
- Headache
- Loss of appetite, lack of energy, and fatigue
- Muscle pain and stiffness in joints
- Sweating and moist skin
In addition, atypical pneumonia has less common symptoms such as:
- Legionella pneumonia
- Diarrhea
- Mycoplasma pneumonia
- Pain in the ear
- Pain or pain in the eye
- Lump on neck
- Rash (with mycoplasma pneumonia)
- Sore throat
If you have concerns about a symptom, consult your doctor.
When Should I See A Doctor?
Call your doctor if you have a high fever, bloody sputum (phlegm), increased phlegm, or a severe headache. Call your doctor as soon as possible or go to the ER if you have trouble breathing.
What Causes Atypical Pneumonia?
The bacteria that cause pneumonia due to mycoplasma and chlamydophila are usually spread from person to person through the air through coughing and sneezing. Specifically:
- Mycoplasma pneumonia is generally spread in crowded environments, such as households, schools, and workplaces, occurring more often in winter than in other seasons.
- Chlamydophila pneumonia occurs throughout the year, as much as 5%-15% of pneumonia infections are caused by chlamydophila.
The cause of Legionella pneumonia has been associated with exposure to air from contaminated warm water, such as water in hot water tanks, cooling towers, hot tubs, and air conditioning in large buildings. Soil and water in the environment can also be a source of bacteria.
What Increases My Risk For Atypical Pneumonia?
Risk factors for atypical pneumonia include:
- Frequent work in crowded environments: contact with many people and working in public places increase the risk of coming into contact with someone who has pneumonia
- Smoking: Smoking causes the body's resistance to bacteria to decrease, which makes the bacteria from atypical pneumonia easy to infect the body
- Weak immune systems: people with HIV/AIDS who have had organ transplants or who are undergoing chemotherapy or taking steroids long-term are at risk
What Are My Treatment Options For Atypical Pneumonia?
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
People with atypical pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics for 2 weeks or longer. Fever and discomfort can be treated with aspirin, (caution: do not give aspirin to children), NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen or naproxen), or acetaminophen. People with atypical pneumonia are advised to drink plenty of fluids to loosen respiratory secretions and get adequate rest.
You need to go to the hospital if you have mild atypical pneumonia. However, in severe cases, it can mean hospitalization where antibiotics can be given intravenously. Additional oxygen may also be given.
What Are The Usual Tests For Atypical Pneumonia?
People suspected of having pneumonia should undergo a complete health evaluation. It can be difficult for your doctor to detect if you have pneumonia or bronchitis, so you may need an X-ray. Depending on how severe the disease is, other tests may also be done, including:
- Arterial blood test
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- blood culture
- Blood tests to identify specific bacteria
- Bronchoscopy (rarely needed)
- CT scan of the chest
- Open lung biopsy (only done in serious diseases where other tests cannot be done)
- Sputum culture
- Urine test to check for Legionella bacteria
- A urine test or throat swab may also be done.
What Are Some Lifestyle Changes Or Home Remedies That Can Be Done To Treat Atypical Pneumonia?
The following lifestyles can help you cope with atypical pneumonia:
- Follow all doctor's instructions after treatment
- Check back regularly to know the progress of your disease and health condition
- Regular hand washing is the best way to stop the spread of infection
- Drink plenty of fluids (six to eight glasses per day) to avoid dehydration
- Use a humidifier to help remove phlegm
- Use acetaminophen or aspirin (except in children) to relieve fever or pain
- Take medicines as prescribed. Take all the antibiotics
- Get the flu vaccine once a year and ask if you need a pneumonia vaccine
- Don't stop taking antibiotics when you feel better unless your doctor recommends it
- Quit smoking
If you have any questions, consult a doctor for the best solution for your problem.