What is atypical pneumonia?

Editor's advice: Avoid nutrient deficiencies and imbalances! Did you know? It is now estimated that 80-90% of all diseases is related to nutrient deficiencies. Xtend-Life Micro-Nutriments are elite specialty natural products using the latest scientific research and the most up-to-date technology to deliver the greatest possible benefits to you. Its flagship product, Total Balance, provides a broad spectrum of around 80 of the nutrients that provide an overall protection of your vital body systems and organs against degenerative, acute and chronic disease. These nutrients include vitamins, minerals, trace elements, antioxidants, amino acids, neuronutrients, bioflavonoids, carotenoids, herbal extracts, enzymes and other complementary co-factor ingredients. Click here to find more natural health products from Xtend-Life. Featured health supplements stores

Atypical pneumonia is a pneumonia that does not respond to the usual antibiotic treatment. It can be caused by bacteria, in particular Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila and Bordatella pertussis, or viruses including influenza and coronaviruses. Normally, these infections are not as severe as typical pneumonia, but legionella causes legionnaire’s disease, which kills up to 50% of its victims if left untreated. The deadly SARS virus, which appeared only last year, is a new coronavirus that causes atypical pneumonia.

Atypical pneumonia due to Mycoplasma and Chlamydophila usually cause milder forms of pneumonia and are characterized by a more drawn out course of symptoms unlike other forms of pneumonia which can come on more quickly with more severe early symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumonia often affects younger people and may be associated with symptoms outside of the lungs (such as anemia and rashes), and neurological syndromes (such as meningitis, myelitis, and encephalitis). Severe forms of Mycoplasma pneumonia have been described in all age groups. Chlamydophila pneumonia occurs year round and accounts for 5-15% of all pneumonias. It is usually mild with a low mortality rate. In contrast, atypical pneumonia due to Legionella accounts for 2-6% of pneumonias and has a higher mortality rate. Elderly individuals, smokers, and people with chronic illnesses and weakened immune systems are at higher risk for this type of pneumonia. Contact with contaminated aerosol systems (like infected air conditioning systems) has also been associated with pneumonia due to Legionella

The incidence of atypical pneumonia is dependent on the patient and the patient’s environment. For instance, mycoplasma and chlamydia pneumonias are spread by close contact (i.e. military barracks or college dormitories). Other factors that predispose individuals to atypical pneumonias are chronic illnesses, especially respiratory illnesses (i.e. bronchitis, emphysema, COPD), and a history of smoking. Also, use of chronic immunosuppressants like steroids tend to make people more susceptible to infection.

The mainstay of treatment for atypical pneumonia is antibiotic therapy. In mild cases, treatment with oral antibiotics at home may be appropriate. Severe cases (especially common with pneumonia caused by Legionella) may require intravenous antibiotics and oxygen supplementation. Antibiotics with activity against these organisms include - erythromycin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, fluoroquinolones and their derivatives (such as levofloxacin), and tetracyclines (such as doxycycline).

More information on pneumonia