K.N.O.W. Home Health - MYCOPLASMA PNEUMONIA

Mycoplasma Pneumonia – Patient Education

What It Is

Mycoplasma pneumonia is a type of lung infection caused by tiny bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It is sometimes called "walking pneumonia" because the symptoms can be milder than other kinds of pneumonia.

Causes and Risk Factors

Mycoplasma pneumonia spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can breathe in the germs from the air or touch surfaces with the bacteria and then touch your nose or mouth.

You are more likely to get it if you:

Spend time in crowded places like schools, dorms, or military barracks
Are a child or young adult
Have weakened immune defenses from illness or medicine
Live or work around others with respiratory infections

Signs and Symptoms

Early warning signs:

Mild fever
Dry cough that lasts for weeks
Sore throat
Headache
Feeling tired or weak

Other symptoms:

Chest discomfort or pain
Shortness of breath during activity
Sweating or chills
Runny or stuffy nose

Symptoms often start slowly and can last longer than typical colds or flu.

Complications if Untreated or Not Following Care Plan

If not treated or if treatment is not followed, it can cause:

Worsening lung infection
Bronchitis (inflamed airways)
Ear infections or sinus infections
Severe breathing problems (rare)
Spread of infection to other parts of the body (rare)

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

Antibiotics are used to kill the mycoplasma bacteria (common ones include azithromycin or doxycycline).
Rest helps your body fight the infection.
Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and loosen mucus.
Use a humidifier or steam to help with cough and congestion.
Over-the-counter medicines for fever and pain (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) can help you feel better.
Avoid smoking and smoky areas which irritate the lungs.

Common Types of Medications

Antibiotics (azithromycin, doxycycline)
- Purpose: Kill bacteria causing infection.
- Side effects: Stomach upset, diarrhea, rash, increased sensitivity to sunlight (especially doxycycline).
Fever reducers/pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
- Purpose: Reduce fever and relieve aches.
- Side effects: Possible stomach upset, liver or kidney problems if overused.

Dietary Needs

Eat healthy, balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, and protein to support healing.
Drink water, herbal teas, and clear soups to stay hydrated.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine which can dehydrate you.

Lifestyle Changes

Get plenty of rest until you feel better.
Avoid crowded places and close contact with sick people.
Wash your hands often to prevent spreading germs.
Stay up to date on vaccines, like the flu vaccine, to help prevent respiratory infections.

Safety Considerations

Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed.
Avoid missing doses or stopping medicine early.
Use fever or pain medicine as directed.
Seek help if you notice side effects or if symptoms worsen.

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Avoid sharing drinks, utensils, or towels.
Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces regularly.
Stay home from work or school when sick to avoid spreading infection.

When to Call for Help

Call your Home Health Agency or Doctor if:

Your fever lasts more than 3 days or gets worse
Your cough does not improve or produces colored mucus
You have more trouble breathing or feel very tired
You develop new symptoms like chest pain or confusion
You have side effects from medications like rash or severe upset stomach

Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room if:

You have severe difficulty breathing or can’t catch your breath
Your lips or face turn blue or gray
You have sudden confusion or can’t stay awake
Chest pain is severe or lasts more than a few minutes
You cough up blood or large amounts of mucus

Patient Homework/Assessment

Instructions: Choose “True” or “False” for each statement. Correct any false statements.

True or False – Mycoplasma pneumonia is caused by a virus.
True or False – You can spread mycoplasma pneumonia by coughing or sneezing.
True or False – Symptoms usually appear suddenly and severely.
True or False – Antibiotics can help treat mycoplasma pneumonia.
True or False – You should stop taking antibiotics once you feel better.
True or False – Drinking fluids helps loosen mucus in the lungs.
True or False – Smoking does not affect your risk of getting pneumonia.
True or False – Resting helps your body heal from infection.
True or False – You should wash your hands to prevent spreading germs.
True or False – It is okay to share cough medicine with friends.
True or False – Fever and headache are common symptoms.
True or False – You should avoid crowded places when sick.
True or False – You can get mycoplasma pneumonia from touching contaminated surfaces and then your face.
True or False – Mycoplasma pneumonia usually requires hospitalization.
True or False – Over-the-counter medicine can help reduce fever and pain.
True or False – You should seek emergency care if you have trouble breathing or chest pain.
True or False – You should avoid alcohol and caffeine while sick.
True or False – Covering your mouth when coughing helps prevent spreading infection.
True or False – You should use a humidifier to help with cough and congestion.
True or False – It is important to finish all your antibiotics, even if you feel better.

Individualized Patient Questions

What symptoms have you noticed since you started feeling sick?
Have you been taking your antibiotics as prescribed?
Are you drinking enough fluids every day?
Have you experienced any side effects from your medications?
How is your cough—dry or with mucus?
Are you able to rest and sleep well at night?
Have you noticed any changes in your breathing?
When was your last fever, and how high was it?
Do you know when to call the doctor or emergency room?
Have you received your flu vaccine this year?

Answer Key with Explanations

False – Mycoplasma pneumonia is caused by bacteria, not a virus.
True – It spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
False – Symptoms usually start slowly and may be mild at first.
True – Antibiotics help kill the bacteria causing the infection.
False – You must finish all antibiotics as prescribed, even if you feel better.
True – Drinking fluids thins mucus and helps clear lungs.
False – Smoking damages lungs and increases risk of pneumonia.
True – Rest helps your body fight infection and recover.
True – Washing hands prevents spreading germs.
False – You should never share medicine, including cough medicine.
True – Fever and headache are common symptoms of mycoplasma pneumonia.
True – Avoiding crowded places helps reduce spreading infection.
True – Germs can live on surfaces and infect you if you touch your face afterward.
False – Most people recover at home; hospitalization is rare.
True – Over-the-counter medicines can reduce fever and relieve pain.
True – Severe breathing trouble or chest pain require emergency care.
True – Alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate you and should be avoided when sick.
True – Covering your mouth when coughing helps prevent spreading germs.
True – Humidifiers or steam help soothe cough and congestion.
True – Finishing all antibiotics ensures the infection is fully treated.