Mycoplasma

I have been diagnosed with Mycoplasma, but everytime I cough I also vomit. I can't eat anything without coughing and vomiting. What can I do?

[National Jewish]

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M pneumoniae) is commonly called mycoplasma.  These are bacteria that can cause throat infections and lung infections such as pneumonia.  Many people develop coughing with these fairly common respiratory infections.  In most cases, mycoplasma is easily treated with an antibiotic or requires no treatment at all.  As the mycoplasma clears, the amount of mucus should lessen over time.

Another source of the mucus could be postnasal drip.  This is drainage from the nose and sinuses dripping down the back of the throat.  You may be swallowing a lot of this mucus into your stomach.  Then whenever you cough you vomit mucus from your stomach.  Talk with your doctor to know if this is a problem for you.  A nasal wash helps remove mucus from your nose and sinuses.  It is most helpful when done daily before using any nasal spray.  A prescription nasal steroid spray decreases mucus production by decreasing the inflammation of the nose and sinuses.  This may prevent the postnasal drip.  A nasal steroid spray does not provide immediate relief of symptoms.  It may need to be used every day for several weeks to months for it to help.  Please read our Nasal Wash MedFact at http://www.nationaljewish.org/medfacts/nasal.html for more information about this technique.  Share this information with your doctor to see if you would benefit from this daily treatment.

[starion]

How were you diagnosed?  Are you being treated?  I was diagnosed with mycoplasma and was treated with Biaxin XL 1000mg/day for nearly 6 months.  I had neither of the symptoms you describe--no coughing and no vomiting.  I would definitely ask your doc what can/should be done.  Good luck & post what you learn.

Gastroparesis can cause frequent vomitting, have you been evaluated for that or other gastroentestinal issues?  I have not heard of mycoplasma causing that symptom.

Starion

[Joe UK]

Thanks for the replies - useful to know. I just went on an anti biotic - Heliclar which seems to have doen the trick, but the cough still lingers.

I do actually have a problem with gastro reflux which I have had for about 18 months now. Been on omeprazole for about a year. its improving slowly