What is atypical pneumonia?

Atypical pneumonia is an infection that affects the lower respiratory tract. It is similar to typical pneumonia, but is often less severe and may not require hospitalisation. Many patients recover fully from this condition through the intake of antibiotics and on many occasions may not even realise that they have this type of lung infection. It is called atypical pneumonia due to the fact that it naturally resists medicines that would normally be considered as an effective treatment for bacterial infections, and also because of its almost entirely unnoticeable, mild symptoms.

Atypical pneumonia is treated by a respiratory specialist.

What causes atypical pneumonia?

Atypical pneumonia is generally caused by abnormal organisms that begin to grow in the throat, nose, lungs.

What are the main symptoms of atypical pneumonia?

The commonest symptoms of atypical pneumonia include: 

• headache
• cough
• low-grade fever
• malaise
• sore throat
• fatigue
• mild chills
• chest pain
• sneezing

Who is most at risk of contracting atypical pneumonia?

Due to the fact that atypical pneumonia can be very easily spread within shared and crowded spaces, the atypical lung-affecting illness tends to affect young school children more than older adults. People who suffer from underlying respiratory conditions such as asthma and who have a weakened immune system are also considered high-risk when it comes to contracting atypical pneumonia. 

How is it contracted?

Atypical pneumonia is a contagious illness that can be spread from one person to another when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and others nearby inhale miniature droplets that contain the bacteria.

How is it diagnosed?

Generally, in order to accurately diagnose this condition, a doctor will use a stethoscope in order to listen to the patient's chest in the attempt to identify abnormal breath sounds. Chest X-rays may also be performed to check if there is indeed an infection present in the patient's chest. 

What specialist treats atypical pneumonia?

Pulmonologists are the best specialists to visit if you are suffering from symptoms of atypical pneumonia.