1. Results of my diagnostic tests say atypical pneumonia. What exactly is it?
Unlike other types of pneumonia, atypical pneumonia is caused by fungi, viruses, and bacteria. The causing microbes could be legionella, mycoplasma and/or chlamydophila. However, atypical pneumonia brought about due to mycoplasma and chlamydophila bacteria usually cause mild forms of pneumonia, unlike other types of the disease that can come on more quickly with acute symptoms.
2. How long will I be on medication before I am all-clear of atypical pneumonia?
Atypical pneumonia caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae: treatment is effective with a two-week usage of medication.
Atypical pneumonia caused by chlamydophila pneumoniae: The treatment is successful with the use of two to four weeks of medication.
Atypical pneumonia caused by legionella pneumophila: Highly effective treatments have been given for patients with a two-week regimen of medication.
3. What will be the line of treatment I will be give for atypical pneumonia?
The doctor will determine the line of treatment to be followed for you depending upon your medical case history, test reports, allergy history, acuteness of condition, etc. The doctor will also determine the dosage, potency, mode of taking the drug and frequency of medication he or she will prescribe.
Broadly, the following medication will be prescribed for the different causal factors of atypical pneumonia:
Atypical pneumonia caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae:
Medication options: Macrolide, Tetracycline or Fluoroquinolones
Atypical pneumonia caused by chlamydophila pneumoniae:
Medication options: Macrolide, Fluoroquinolone or Fluoroquinolones, Azithromycin, Clarithromycin or Erythromycin are typically prescribed
Atypical pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila:
Medication options: Rifampin, Macrolides, Quinolones, Erythromycin, Azithromycin.
4. What side-effects do these drugs have that I can be expected to experience?
Side-effects for medications vary from person to person and are not felt to the same degree by each one of us. The symptoms enlisted are what can be typically expected for a person. However, it must be noted that a some drug families cannot be prescribed without first running an allergy test for them (pencillin and sulpha group, etc).
Macrolide group of drugs:
(Not to be used with Statin group of drugs)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Heartburn
• Taste abnormalities
• Indigestion and diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Rashes
• Elevation of liver enzymes
Tetracycline:
• Nausea and vomiting
• Indigestion and diarrhea
• Tongue texture abnormalities
• Mouth sores
• Abdominal pain
• Sore throat
• Photosensitivity
Fluoroquinolone:
• Nausea and vomiting
• Indigestion and diarrhea
• Constipation and abdominal pain
• Drowsiness and dizziness
• Tendonitis
• Photosensitivity
• High or low blood sugar
Azithromycin:
• Nausea and vomiting
• Indigestion and diarrhea
• Constipation and abdominal pain
• Headaches
• Rashes
Rifampin:
• Liver toxicity
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain and diarrhea
• Rashes and watery eyes
• Breathlessness
• Drowsiness, cramps
• Headaches, fever, confusion
Erythromycin:
• Nausea and vomiting
• Indigestion and diarrhea
• Constipation and abdominal pain
• Deafness
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Hepato-toxicity (reversible)
ALL INFORMATION GIVEN IN THIS ADVOCACY SHEET IS TO BE CHECKED WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE IMPLEMENTING THEM OR TAKING THEM AS STANDARD OR VERIFIED.
Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman (Publisher: Rupa & Co.) and the upcoming Rev Up Your Life! (Publisher: Hay House India). She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health. Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Link: http://www.migrainingjenny.wordpress.com and http://www.footstrike.wordpress.com