Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection early knowledge

Author: Wu Dan Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University

Lu Xin Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University

Illustration: Wang Ling

Reviewer: Zhang Lehai, Deputy Chief Technician, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University

1. What is Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pathogen that causes mycoplasma pneumonia. It is between bacteria and viruses, smaller than bacteria but larger than viruses, and has many characteristics of bacteria.

If you are accidentally infected with Mycoplasma pneumonia, it will cause mycoplasma pneumonia, mainly interstitial pneumonia, and sometimes bronchitis. Mycoplasma pneumonia can be transmitted through droplets, with an incubation period of 2 to 3 weeks. The main population affected is children and adolescents.

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2. Infection routes of Mycoplasma pneumoniae

1. Respiratory tract infection Mycoplasma pneumoniae is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets. Patients can carry pathogenic bacteria in secretions when coughing, sneezing, or having a runny nose.

2. Other infection routes: Mycoplasma pneumoniae may also be transmitted through fecal-oral transmission and air aerosol transmission, as well as indirect contact with clothing, bath towels and other items carrying Mycoplasma pathogens, but the probability of infection through this transmission route is low.

3. The main symptoms of infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae

The most common symptom of fever is fever, which is generally low to moderate and lasts for 2 to 3 days. Some children may also have high fever, and the use of drugs to reduce fever can only work temporarily, and the body temperature will rise again in a short time.

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Cough Most patients will experience cough, which is generally a mild dry cough, sometimes accompanied by sputum. If the condition worsens, the cough will become very severe and there will be purulent sputum.

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4. Diagnosis of Mycoplasma Pneumonia

1. Ask about the patient's medical history, including the current onset and past medical history, and conduct a systemic and lung examination.

2. Commonly used examinations include chest X-ray, blood routine, C-reactive protein, Mycoplasma pneumoniae nucleic acid test, Mycoplasma pneumoniae-specific antibody test, etc.

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5. Treatment of Mycoplasma Pneumonia

Mycoplasma pneumonia can be treated with oral or intravenous antibiotics depending on the severity of the disease. Severe cases with symptoms of wheezing can be treated with oxygen inhalation, bronchodilators, etc.

6. Prevention of Mycoplasma Pneumonia

Wearing a mask Mycoplasma pneumoniae can be transmitted through respiratory droplets, so if you want to effectively cut off the route of infection, you must wear a mask. Medical surgical masks and 3M masks have better protection effects, and you should avoid repeated use of masks.

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Pay attention to the way you sneeze. Mycoplasma pneumoniae can be spread through respiratory droplets. Therefore, developing a good sneezing habit can also reduce the spread of the disease. See the picture below for how to sneeze correctly.

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Develop good personal hygiene habits. Mycoplasma infection can cause small epidemics, so attention should be paid to respiratory isolation. Open windows regularly to ventilate the room and keep the indoor air fresh. Drink plenty of warm water and eat easily digestible and nutritious food. Carry out more outdoor activities and physical exercise, especially strengthen breathing exercises to improve respiratory function. When going out in cold seasons or when the climate changes suddenly, add more clothes in time to prevent colds.

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