MYCOPLASMA PNEUMONIAE INFECTION

SYMPTOMS

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection symptoms vary from those of conventional Haemophilus and Streptococcus pneumonia. Patients often have a low-grade fever, slight shortness of breath, dry cough, and exhaustion, and their symptoms may be similar to those of an upper respiratory infection or common cold. The most frequent indication of infection is a dry cough. Additional symptoms may:

• Mild breath shortness
• Malaise

In rare situations, the infection may become serious and cause heart or nervous system damage. Here are some cases of these disorders:

• Encephalitis. A potentially fatal inflammation of the brain.
• Hemolytic anemia
• Arthritis. A condition in which the joints get inflamed
• Kidney failure
• Pericarditis. An infection of the pericardium that surrounds the heart
• Uncommon ear problems such as bullous myringitis
• Guillain-Barré syndrome, a neurological condition that may result in death and paralysis
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, rare and serious skin disorders.

Mycoplasma pneumoniae can be fatal in rare situations.

DIAGNOSIS

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection typically causes no symptoms for 1 to 3 weeks following exposure. Early detection is challenging since the body does not always reveal an infection.

The infection might spread beyond your lungs. If this occurs, indicators of infection may include red blood cell breakdown, joint dysfunction, and skin rash.

Your doctor will use a stethoscope to listen for any odd sounds in your breathing to determine a diagnosis. A CT scan and chest x-ray may also be used to assist your doctor in making a diagnosis.

TREATMENT

A mycoplasma pneumoniae infection does not need medication therapy. The illness will run its course without generating any major issues.

The individual typically recovers completely within a few weeks, but the cough may continue longer.

Typically, the doctor will advise:

• Staying at home and relaxing when you’re sick 
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Taking OTC pain relievers to treat a sore throat or headache

Other treatment includes:

• Antibiotics
• Corticosteroids
• Immunomodulatory therapy