Atypical Pneumonia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction

Atypical pneumonia is a mild form caused by an atypical bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumonia. The bacteria lives and grows in the throat, nose, windpipe, and respiratory tract. The infection is usually treated with antibiotics. Because of the unique features of the bacteria, it is called “atypical.” Different factors make the bacteria atypical. They include:

• They are naturally resistant to medicines that would typically treat bacterial infections.

• Milder symptoms.

• It is often mistaken for a virus.

Are There Any Other Types of Atypical Pneumonia?

Other types of atypical pneumonia include

• Legionella Pneumonia - This is one of the most severe types of pneumonia. It can lead to respiratory failure and death. This type of pneumonia is caused by Legionella, a bacteria found in freshwater. It is contaminated through the inhalation of airborne droplets.

• Chlamydia Pneumonia - Chlamydia pneumonia can cause severe infection. It is commonly seen among young adults and school-age children.

• Mycoplasma Pneumonia - This type of pneumonia is mild and recovers without treatment. It is caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

What Is the Difference Between Atypical Pneumonia and Regular Pneumonia?

Atypical pneumonia differs from regular pneumonia in several ways, including

• Atypical pneumonia is caused by Mycoplasma pneumonia, and regular pneumonia is caused by Streptococcus pneumonia or a rhinovirus.

• Atypical pneumonia is a milder form of pneumonia as compared to regular pneumonia.

• Atypical pneumonia usually does not require hospitalization or bed rest.

How Common Is Atypical Pneumonia?

Atypical pneumonia accounts for about ten to 40 % of the cases of community-acquired pneumonia. It can occur at any time of the year, but usually, it occurs during the winter and the fall.

Is Atypical Pneumonia Contagious?

Atypical pneumonia is contagious. It is caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumonia which is infectious. It spreads from person to person. When the infected person sneezes or coughs, the tiny droplets that contain the bacteria spread and become airborne. Others then inhale these droplets. This infection can quickly spread in shared living or crowded places such as homes, dormitories, schools, and nursing homes. It usually affects school children and young adults more than older adults. The infection can be contagious for two to four weeks before the symptoms develop. In people with existing respiratory conditions, the risk of developing pneumonia is much higher. For example, in people with respiratory infections like

• Emphysema.

• Congestive obstructive pulmonary disease.

• Asthma.

• A weakened immune system.

What Are the Causes of Atypical Pneumonia?

When compared to typical pneumonia, atypical pneumonia, also known as walking pneumonia, is caused by different types of bacteria and viruses. The bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the most common cause of atypical pneumonia, accounting for 30-50% of cases. Legionella pneumophila, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza are also possible causes. Because these microorganisms can be spread through contact with infected individuals' respiratory secretions or droplets, it is critical to practice good hygiene and infection control measures to prevent the spread of atypical pneumonia. Furthermore, age, a weakened immune system, and underlying medical conditions can all increase the likelihood of developing atypical pneumonia.

What Are the Symptoms of Atypical Pneumonia?

Symptoms of atypical pneumonia include

• Mild chills.

• Low-grade fever.

• Headache.

• Sore throat.

• Chest pain.

• Feeling tired.

• Sneezing.

• Persistent cough.

• Stuffy, runny nose.

• Shortness of breath.

• Chest congestion.

How Is Atypical Pneumonia Diagnosed?

The healthcare provider will ask about one’s symptoms and complete history. They will examine the lungs for abnormal breath sounds, if any. They can also advise a chest X-ray to look for the infection. Mucus or blood might be tested to determine the presence of pneumonia and whether it is caused by Mycoplasma pneumonia or any other virus or fungus. Sometimes, if the person is suspected of having atypical pneumonia, they may need laboratory tests like

• Blood culture.

• A throat swab.

• A complete blood count.

• Tests for specific antibodies and antigens.

• Mucus culture from the lungs.

How Is Atypical Pneumonia Treated?

Atypical pneumonia is usually mild and can be treated with antibiotics as there is no need for hospitalization. Several antibiotics are effective in treating atypical pneumonia. The antibiotics used to treat atypical pneumonia are

• Tetracyclines - This drug group includes tetracyclines and doxycyclines, which are suitable for older children and adults.

• Fluoroquinolones - This drug group includes levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin. These drugs are not recommended for young children.

• Macrolide Antibiotics - This drug group is preferred for children and adults. Macrolides include Clarithromycin and Azithromycin. However, in the past few years, some strains of Mycoplasma pneumonia have become resistant to macrolide antibiotics because of the widespread use of Azithromycin to treat various illnesses.

Also, some OTC (over-the-counter) medications can be taken to relieve the symptoms of cough and nasal congestion and help to loosen the mucus buildup in the chest. Along with the medicines, it is also advised to drink more fluids and adequate rest.

Who Is at Risk for Atypical Pneumonia?

Atypical pneumonia affects people of any age group. The risk groups include

• People who smoke.

• People above 65 years of age.

• Children under the age of two.

• People with chronic respiratory conditions.

• People with weakened immune systems.

• People living in areas where the outbreak of atypical pneumonia is typical.

• Working or living in crowded places.

• People are exposed to pollutants.

How Is Atypical Pneumonia Prevented?

There are no vaccines available to prevent atypical pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumonia. In addition, in some cases, even after recovering from atypical pneumonia, people will not become immune so they may become infected again. However, some tips can be followed to prevent atypical pneumonia:

• Always cover the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

• Wash the hands often with soap and warm water, at least for 20 seconds.

• One can also make use of alcohol-based sanitizer.

• Always wear a mask around sick people if one has any respiratory conditions like bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, or other chronic health conditions like kidney or liver diseases, diabetes, etc.

• Get an annual (flu) influenza vaccine. There are chances of developing bacterial pneumonia after a case of flu.

• There are two types of vaccines available: Pneumovax 23 and Prevnar 13. Each of the above vaccines is recommended for people of different age groups at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.

Conclusion:

Atypical pneumonia generally does not require hospitalization or bed rest and can be treated with antibiotics. Most people with atypical pneumonia feel better after a week of antibiotic treatment, but the cough might continue for a few weeks.