1. My test results say mycoplasma pneumoniae as the microbe causing my atypical pneumonia. What is this?
Mycoplasma pneumoniae typically presents with less severe symptoms of the disease. As the condition progresses, anemia, encephalitis, meningitis and myleitis may occur, especially in children. In some cases, the infection may begin with flu-like presentation such as chills, fever, malaise and headache, etc. However, as the disease continues into the advanced stages, it exhibits pulmonary and extrapulmonary presentations such as those of the central nervous system (CNS), hematologic, cardiac and various gastro-intestinal manifestations.
a. At the CNS level, it presents conditions of peripheral neuropathy, cranial nerve palsy, aseptic meningitis and myleitis.
b. Cardiac manifestations would include congestive heart failure, heart blocks, myocarditis, pericarditis, etc.
c. Gastrointestinal adverse symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and pancreatitis may occur.
d. Hematologic manifestations include the presence of IgM antibodies eventually leading to hemolysis.
2. What is the prognosis for atypical pneumonia patients?
It is important that the antibiotic therapy be given for a minimum period of two weeks so there is less chance of relapse. A two weeks and over treatment with the prescribed antibiotic is generally sufficient for full recovery. Only atypical pneumonia caused by legionella carries a high death rate.
3. My test results say chlamydophila pneumoniae as the pathogen causing my atypical pneumonia. What is this?
This pathogen causes milder symptoms and lower death rate though relapse is common. There are three classes of chlamydia that infect humans of which chlamydophila trachomatis usually infect newborns and in some cases adults as well.
a. In its respiratory manifestation chlamydophila pneumoniae exhibits upper respiratory tract conditions such as bronchiolitis, prolonged and non-productive cough and reactive airway disease.
b. In its pulmonary form, the disease manifest itself as hypoxia.
c. It also presents as sinusitis, headache and bronchitis symptoms.
d. In the conjunctional presence of streptococcus pneumoniae, atypical pneumonia takes a very severe turn with high mortality rate.
4. My test results say legionella pneumophila as the microbe causing my atypical pneumonia. What is this?
Also known as the Legionnaires' disease, these micro-organisms cause acute symptoms of pneumonia and present a high mortality rate. Inhalation of contaminated air from air conditioners is associated with this disease. Legionella pneumophila-oriented atypical pneumonia is caused by a combination or any of the following factors:
a. Inhalation of aerosols
b. Aspiration of legionella-contaminated water such as those in and from cooling towers, whirlpool baths, and/or respiratory therapy equipment.
High-risk groups are those having undergone neck and head surgeries, those who use corticosteroids, those who smoke or have chronic lung disease.
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