Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical Pneumonia is a lower respiratory tract infection caused by some types of bacteria namely Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumonia, Legionella pneumophila and rarely Chlamydophila psittaci, which is contracted from infected birds.

Mycoplasma Pneumoniae usually infects people below 40yrs with mild pneumonia symptoms such as earaches, headaches, and a sore throat. Chlamydophila pneumoniae is common in school-aged children and young adults. Legionella pneumophila sometimes called Legionnaires' disease is more severe and most often infects older adults, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems.

Mode of Spread

Atypical pneumonia is a contagious disease, spreading through close contact with an infected person. Coughs and sneezes that contain the infectious pathogens pass through the air from person to person. Also, the bacteria can survive on a person's hands and spread if they rub their eyes or touch their mouth. Legionnaires' disease usually occurs after breathing in droplets of infected water, rather than through close contact with infected people. Atypical pneumonia can infect anyone. However, people most vulnerable to the infection are people above 65yrs, those with impaired immune systems, smokers, children under the age of two, those with chronic respiratory condition, people that live or work in places prone to outbreaks of atypical pneumonia such as nursing homes, schools and college dorms, hospitals, military barracks and other public places.

Symptoms

The symptoms of atypical pneumonia may vary depending on the type of bacteria causing the infection. Usually symptoms of atypical pneumonia begins slowly. It takes longer to appear compared with other common infections such a common cold, flu viruses and typical pneumonia. An infected person may not notice symptoms until 1-4 weeks after exposure to the infection. Once symptoms emerge, they tend to get worse over the next 2-6 days.

Symptoms may include sore, dry, or itchy throat; chest pain when breathing deeply; Persistent cough that may come in fits during the day; flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chill, or cold sweat; persistent headache; aches and pains in the muscles and joints; weakness or fatigue. An infected person may also experience secondary conditions, such as rashes or ear infections, especially if they have a weakened immune system.

Treatment

Usually, the infection presents mild symptoms than typical pneumonia, and the infection may go away on its own. However, severe infections can require hospitalization. Anyone with symptoms of atypical pneumonia should consult a doctor.