My family has been dealing with a mycoplasma infection in varying degrees since the end of February. I am amazed this thing has hung around so long! It resulted in severe bronchitis in my 6 year old and walking pneumonia in my husband. My 3 yr. old son also got bronchitis. I got an antibiotic pretty quickly once I started having symptoms, but now my 11 month old has a cough. It's not bad yet, but of course I am afraid that it's starting with her. I feel like I have bugged my family practice to death. Do you think that I should go ahead and take her in now or wait for other symptoms to appear. Also, the 6 yr. old who started us off has developed a cough and fever again. Is it possible to get this thing twice? How do we get rid of it????
Response : Mycoplasma Pneumoniae
Dear Kate:
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a major cause of infection in school-aged children ( about a third of all pneumonias among children aged 5-9 years ) and young adults .
It’s known of mycoplasma to cause familial spread over several months and virtually all household members end up getting the infection in most cases .Transmission from person to person is probably from droplet spread after a cough or a sneeze or just contaminated hands and clothing . Just as you said , they tend to have bronchitis , sore throats , a hoarse cough and occasionally ear infections . Symptoms tend to continue for several weeks and immunity after an infection is not life-long .
The good thing is , it’s usually a mild infection and not all end up with pneumonia ( the disease is more severe if a patient has sickle cell anemia or an immune system deficiency ). A lot of cases resolve without treatment . I can’t tell you if all your family members had or are having this nasty infection , their coughs , and especially their colds could be attributed to other organisms like the viruses that cause common cold .But diagnosing one case by ( throat or sputum cultures or certain blood tests detecting the body’s response to the infection )in the family should increase the suspicion of mycoplasma infection in household members who develop similar symptoms and should be started on treatment .
I guess simple measures to minimize contamination from droplet secretions from the mouth and nose of the sick members of the family would be helpful as well as treating them with antibiotics ( please consult your doctor regarding the medication ).
Don't worry about bugging your doctor . Your concern is genuine and I would suggest discussing the new symptoms with your physician .
Thank you
L.M
keywords : mycoplasma * , pneumonia*
Disclaimer : This data is presented for aducational purposes only .
