Atypical pneumonia Health Article

Treatment

Antibiotics are used to treat atypical pneumonia. If you have a mild case, you may be able to take antibiotics by mouth. If you have severe atypical pneumonia, you will likely be admitted to a hospital where you will be given antibiotics through a vein (intravenously), as well as oxygen.

Antibiotics used to treat atypical pneumonia include:

• Azithromycin
• Clarithromycin
• Erythromycin
• Fluoroquinolones and their derivatives (such as levofloxacin)
• Tetracyclines (such as doxycycline)

Expectations (prognosis)

Most patients with pneumonia due to mycoplasma or chlamydophila do well with appropriate antibiotic therapy, although there is a small chance that the infection will return if antibiotics are used for less than 2 weeks.

While atypical pneumonias are commonly associated with milder forms of pneumonia, pneumonia due to Legionella, in particular, can be quite severe, especially among the elderly and those with chronic diseases and weakened immune systems. It is associated with a higher death rate.

Complications

• Hemolytic anemia (especially with mycoplasma pneumonia)
• Lung failure

Calling your health care provider

Contact your health care provider if you develop a fevers, cough, or shortness of breath. There are numerous causes for these symptoms. The doctor will need to rule out pneumonia.

Prevention

There is no known prevention for atypical pneumonia. No vaccine is are available at this time for atypical pneumonia.

References

Limper AH. Overview of Pneumonia. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2007:chap 97.

Mandell LA, Wunderink RG, Anzueto A, et al. Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Thoracic Society consensus guidelines on the management of community-acquired pneumonia in adults. Clin Infect Dis. 2007 Mar 1;44 Suppl 2:S27-72.