Pneumonia is a lung infection. It can occur in people of all ages.
Atypical pneumonia is a mild form of the infection. Many with this type of pneumonia can continue normal activities while sick. It is also commonly known as walking pneumonia.
All types of pneumonia are potentially serious conditions. It will require care from your doctor.
The Lungs (Cut-away View)
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Atypical pneumonia is usually caused by a specific type of bacteria. They tend to be different than the bacteria that cause more traditional forms of pneumonia.
Factors increase your chance of developing atypical pneumonia include:
Symptoms of atypical pneumonia may include any of the following:
These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Do not assume they are due to pneumonia. Contact your doctor to discuss your symptoms.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. To look for an infection or specific causes of the infection your doctor may ask for:
Your doctor may also need to take pictures of your lungs. This is done with a chest x-ray.
Pneumonia can cause problems with breathing. This may make it difficult for you to get enough oxygen. To measure the level of oxygen in your blood your doctor may do the following tests:
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
Atypical pneumonia can be treated with oral antibiotics. These medications are most often taken at home. However, more severe pneumonia may require antibiotics be delivered by IV in the hospital.
If you are severely ill from pneumonia, you may need extra oxygen. Some patients need to be intubated if their lungs are not working well enough. This is the placement of a tube in your throat. It can provide pressure to help keep your lungs open while delivering oxygen.
If you are diagnosed with pneumonia, follow your doctor's instructions.
RESOURCES:
American Lung Association
http://www.lung.org
National Institute for Allergies and Infectious Disease
http://www.niaid.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Canadian Lung Association
http://www.lung.ca
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca
References:
Blasi F, Tarsia P, Aliberti S, et al. Chlamydia pneumoniae and mycoplasma pneumoniae. Semin Respir Crit Care Med. 2005;26:617-624.
Cunha BA. The atypical pneumonias: clinical diagnosis and importance. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2006;12(Suppl)3:12-24.
Cunha BA. Atypical pneumonias: current clinical concepts focusing on Legionnaires' disease. Curr Opin Pulm Med. 2008;14:183-194. Review
Pneumonia in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated March 25, 2013. Accessed April 2, 2013.
Types of Pneumonia. National Heart Lung Blood Institute (NHLBI) website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/pnu/types.html. Updated March 1, 2011. Accessed April 2, 2013.
Understanding Pneumonia. American Lung Association website. Available at: http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/pneumonia/understanding-pneumonia.html. Accessed April 2, 2013.
Thibodeau KP, Viera A.J. Atypical pathogens and challenges in community-acqiured pneumonia. Am Fam Physician. 2004;69:1699-1706.
Last reviewed February 2013 by Brian Randall, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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