Atypical pneumonia affects the lungs by filling the alveoli with fluid, making it difficult to breathe. (Illustrative Image Infobae)
In recent months, the parents in USA have been on alert due to the increase in cases of a respiratory disease known as atypical pneumonia o “walking pneumonia”. This type of lung infectionalthough usually mild, can be highly contagious and affect people of all ages, especially children y seniorswhich has generated concern among families and school communities.
This lung infectioncaused mainly by bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniaeis characterized by presenting mild and prolonged symptoms, such as dry cough and low-grade fever, which makes early diagnosis and adequate treatment difficult. The atypical pneumonia It differs from conventional pneumonia by its milder symptoms, which often go unnoticed, allowing the infection to spread easily in closed and crowded environments such as schools y homes.
From April to October 2024, the number of preschool children diagnosed with pneumonia Mycoplasma pneumoniae has increased sevenfold, according to reports from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the doctor Buddy Creech of the Vanderbilt University Medical Centera notable increase was observed in Nashville since mid-year. Although cases appear to have peaked in August, the number of diagnoses remains high. Rapid diagnostic tests have improved recognition of the disease, which has contributed to this apparent increase.
The atypical pneumonia It is a milder form of traditional pneumonia. This condition affects the lungscausing the alveoli (small air sacs) fill with liquid o mucuswhich makes it difficult breathing normal.
Unlike the classic pneumoniawhich can cause high fever and severe symptoms, atypical pneumonia presents milder symptomsallowing people to continue with their daily activities without realizing that they are sick. That’s where the term comes from “walking pneumonia”since those who suffer from it usually feel well enough to continue with their daily routine.
Unlike traditional pneumonia, atypical pneumonia presents mild symptoms, allowing those affected to continue with their daily routines. (Illustrative image Infobae)
Although less serious, the atypical pneumonia should not be underestimated as it can last weeks and included months if not treated properly. The initial symptoms can be confused with those of a common cold or one gripewhich often delays your diagnosis.
The atypical pneumonia is mainly caused by bacteriabeing the Mycoplasma pneumoniae the microorganism most commonly responsible for cases in children y young adults. However, other types of bacteria, virus and included fungus They can also trigger this disease. Even though he Mycoplasma pneumoniae usually generates mild infectionsit is very contagious.
The disease is transmitted from person to person through small drops expelled when someone infected in those, wasted or talk around other people. These droplets can be inhaled by nearby individuals, spreading the infection. One of the most worrying characteristics of the atypical pneumonia is that people can be contagious for several weeks before the symptoms appear. symptomswhich facilitates its spread in closed places such as schools, daycares y homes.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the main microorganism responsible for atypical pneumonia in children and young adults. (Illustrative Image Infobae)
Los children children under 2 years old, older adults 65 years and people with weakened immune systems are the most vulnerable groups to develop complications derived from this disease. However, anyone can get it if they are exposed to environments where the virus o to bacteria are present.
The symptoms of atypical pneumonia they usually are light and gradual appearance. They can include sore throat, extreme fatigue, chest pain, low fever (below 38°C), mild chills, hacking cough and persistent, sneezing y headache. In some cases, the symptoms can be confused with those of a cold o gripewhich may cause people not to seek immediate medical attention.
One of the most characteristic signs of this disease is persistent coughwhich can last several weeks, even after other symptoms have disappeared. In children, the rapid breathing or noisy, as well as the abdominal painmay be signs of atypical pneumoniasince the infection can affect different areas of the lungs.
To treat atypical bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics such as macrolides are used, while in viral cases treatment focuses on relieving symptoms. (Illustrative Image Infobae)
The treatment for atypical pneumonia depends on the underlying cause. In the event that the disease is caused by bacteria like him Mycoplasma pneumoniaecan be prescribed antibioticslike the macrolides (For example, azithromycin o clarithromycin). It is important that patients complete the entire course of antibioticseven if they start to feel better before finishing it, otherwise the infection it could come back and be harder to treat.
If the cause of the atypical pneumonia es viralwill not be prescribed antibioticssince these are not effective against virus. Instead, treatment will focus on relieve symptoms. The use of over-the-counter medications is recommended to reduce fever and the general malaiseas well as the consumption of plenty of liquids y rest.
To alleviate the congestion and the tosyou can use a humidifier or take steam baths. It is also important to avoid smoke or exposure to environments with in itas this can worsen symptoms.
Preventive measures against atypical pneumonia include frequent hand washing and covering coughs or sneezes, although there is no specific vaccine. (Illustrative image Infobae)
Although there is no vaccine specific to prevent atypical pneumoniathere are measures that can help reduce the risk of infection. Wash your manos frequently, especially after cough o sneezeis essential to prevent the spread of the disease.
Furthermore, it is advisable to cover the boca and the nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing, to minimize the spread of respiratory droplets.
Los parents They must be attentive to the symptoms in your children, and if they persist or worsen, it is advisable to seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis. The vaccines against the gripe and other respiratory diseases are also an important preventive measure, as they can reduce the risk of developing infections that complicate the pneumonia.
