Mycoplasma pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae).
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
M. pneumoniae is a common cause of mild pneumonia that usually affects people younger than 40. Various studies suggest that it causes 15-50% of all pneumonia in adults and an even higher percentage of pneumonia in school-aged children.
People at highest risk for mycoplasma pneumonia include those living or working in crowded areas such as schools and homeless shelters, although many people who contract mycoplasma pneumonia have no identifiable risk factor.
Symptoms:
The symptoms are generally mild and appear over a period of 1 to 3 weeks. They may become more severe in some people.
A physical examination may reveal enlarged lymph nodes and inflammation of the eardrum. An examination of the chest with a stethoscope (auscultation) reveals crackles.
Review Date: 7/28/2006
Reviewed By: Charlotte Grayson, MD, Private Practice specializing in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Smyrna, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Internal Medicine, General Pediatrics
