Question 1

what is atypical pneumonia?

Accepted Answer

"Walking pneumonia": Atypical pneumonia refers to pneumonia caused by certain bacteria, including legionella pneumophila, mycoplasma pneumoniae, and chlamydophila pneumoniae. It is called “atypical” because the symptoms differ from those of pneumonia due to other common bacteria. It is also called as also known as walking pneumonia as the symptoms are not as severe.

Question 2

what are the tests for atypical pneumonia?

Accepted Answer

Various: There are antibody panels (in which the diagnosis is retrospective), and pcrs and non-specific indicators as well as cultures for some.  These may be viral, mycoplasma, chlamydia, legionella, tb, fungal and others.  The tests ordered will depend upon the history and physical exam and initial lab results.

Question 3

question: what is atypical pneumonia really?

Accepted Answer

Less common germs: The "typical" are caused by certain bacteria such as streptococcus, and hemophilus...Atypicals included mycoplasma, chlamydia and are treated differently because the cause is different.

Question 4

will atypical pneumonia surely lead to death?

Accepted Answer

No: The classic forms of atypical pneumonia are caused by mycoplasma and legionella. Legionella in particular can be very serious, but both are treatable.

Question 5

can you catch atypical pneumonia from someone else?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Atypical pneumonia is usually caused by a bacteria (most commonly mycoplasma) that is transmitted in respiratory secretions allowing it to be passed from one person to another.

Question 6

will atypical pneumonia stop me from going on my vacation?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Depends on the cause and when the vacation is planned. Some can be fairly mild and run their course over a short time frame, others can make one sick longer, really depends on the details.

Question 7

are there different options for treating atypical pneumonia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, several...: ...Different classes of antibiotics can be effective. Patients whose symptoms are minimal and who are otherwise healthy can probably get by without antibiotics. The use of antibiotics simply improve the odds in favor of your immune system, which is the main weapon against any infection. For people who are very sick from pneumonia, antibiotics are lifesaving when used appropriately.

Question 8

what's the difference between typical and atypical pneumonia?

Accepted Answer

Very little: "atypical" pneumomia is actually very common. "typical" pneumonia is caused by conventional bacteria, usually with a capsule. Most atypical pneumoia is caused by small organisms (mycoplasma, legionella) that infect the inside of the cell, as opposed to living outside the cell.

Question 9

how do i explain to my son what it means to have atypical pneumonia?

Accepted Answer

An outdated term: Atypical pneumonia is very common (always has been). The designation was used to distinguish it from "pneumococcal" pneumonia, because the treatment used to be different. Now almost all are treated with the same meds. Another misconception is that we can tell the difference by your symptoms and cxr, but it turns out we probably can't. A more useful term is community acquired pneumonia.

Question 10

how to know what is atypical pneumonia and what are the requested tests?

Accepted Answer

Mycoplasma & others: Atypical pneumonia generally refers to infection by organisms such as mycoplasma pneumoniae, chlamydophila or legionella. The reason why it is considered "atypical" is due to lack of typical symptoms of bacterial pneumonias (fever with chills, cough with sputum production etc.). Testing may involve chest x-rays, cultures and blood tests to figure out the causative organism for the pneumonia.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Atypical pneumonia drugs

A member asked:

What is atypical pneumonia?

A member asked:

What are the tests for atypical pneumonia?

A member asked:

Question: what is atypical pneumonia really?

A member asked:

Will atypical pneumonia surely lead to death?

A member asked:

Can you catch atypical pneumonia from someone else?

A member asked:

Will atypical pneumonia stop me from going on my vacation?

A member asked:

Are there different options for treating atypical pneumonia?

A member asked:

What's the difference between typical and atypical pneumonia?

A member asked:

How do i explain to my son what it means to have atypical pneumonia?

A member asked:

How to know what is atypical pneumonia and what are the requested tests?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?