We often hear the terms formal and atypical pneumonia without understanding the distinction between them. The term atypical pneumonia is used to describe pneumonias, which are infections of the lower respiratory tract that do not have the typical symptoms or clinical findings of pneumonia.
Atypical pneumonia, which is the most contagious (spread by droplets), is caused by less common microbial agents, such as Mycoplasma (the most common cause of atypical pneumonia is Mycoplasma pneumoniae), Legionella, Chlamydia, influenza virus (A and B), adenoviruses, fungi and parasites, unlike typical pneumonia which is caused by bacteria.
It is usually of a milder form, except in cases where it is caused by Legionella, in which case life-threatening complications may occur. Among the more general complications are pleural effusion, endocarditis, meningitis and otitis media, which is why the patient should consult his doctor as soon as the first symptoms appear, so that valuable time is not wasted.
The symptoms
In most cases, however, the symptoms of atypical pneumonia are different and depend on the site of the lung where the infection has developed.
The symptoms resemble those of the common cold or flu: fever not exceeding 38ºC – it is usually lower than typical pneumonia and sometimes does not even appear as a symptom – chills, dry, unproductive cough, sore throat, chest pain, earache and headache are the main symptoms. The patient sometimes finds it difficult to breathe, with a characteristic wheezing when breathing, and often breathing is faster. He also feels a general malaise and may lose his appetite. Sometimes atypical pneumonia may follow a cold that persists or has not been treated properly.
Ventilation in enclosed spaces, avoiding crowded places and washing your hands well are some of the ways to prevent atypical pneumonia, while the flu vaccine can also act as a preventive measure.
Given the contagious nature of atypical pneumonia, it is advisable to avoid contact between the patient and others, and for caregivers to take precautionary measures.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosis of atypical pneumonia initially requires a clinical examination, which usually shows no clinical findings from listening to the patient’s lungs, and laboratory testing looking for possible leukocytosis or increased markers of inflammation. The next step is a chest X-ray, which is the most basic examination and shows whether the lung lobes have been affected. This examination can be complemented by a CT scan, which will give the doctor more information about the lungs. The main finding in atypical pneumonias is the large discrepancy between clinical and laboratory findings.
Atypical pneumonia is treated with antibiotics, which can last from a few days to a few weeks, depending on its severity. The medication may also be accompanied by antipyretics or analgesics, if necessary. Rest, hydration and good nutrition for the duration of the treatment are also crucial factors in the treatment of the disease.
Euromedica Group offers its diagnostic centres a wide range of diagnostic tools for the diagnosis of atypical pneumonia. It provides the possibility of digital radiographs, in which modern digital equipment significantly reduces radiation and eliminates the need for repeats, thanks to the excellent image it ensures. Furthermore, its CT scanners are state-of-the-art, with the main feature of drastically reducing the radiation of the examinations, as well as the excellent quality of the images. Finally, the microbiology department performs all necessary tests, from identification of the responsible microorganism and antibiotic sensitivity testing to blood cultures for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and fungi.
At the first warning signs of atypical pneumonia, contact your doctor and choose the Euromedica Group diagnostic centres for all the diagnostic tests that will be required.