01 Sep 2010
A persistent cough which lasts for more than a week may not be just a mild infection.
It could be due to an infection caused by a bacteria known as mycoplasma, one of the smallest known free-living micro-organisms.
Milder than other types of pneumonia, it is quite common and sometimes known as “walking pneumonia”. Anyone can get infected with the bacteria, although it is more common in younger people, especially those aged between five and 20.
While no exact numbers are available on how many people have this type of pneumonia, it is estimated that 10 to 15 per cent of those with pneumonia have mycoplasma pneumonia.
“Mycoplasma causes a persistent cough which lingers for weeks. It may be associated with fever, headache and discomfort, and the patient may have a scratchy, sore throat,” said Dr Ong Thun How, Consultant, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital.
Some symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory tract infections like the common cold.
However, unlike the common cold, patients seldom sneeze or have runny noses and take a longer time to recover from the illness.
“Mycoplasma infections can also be associated with a rash,” said Dr Ong.
The bacteria can fester in the system for up to three weeks. Symptoms can last for days to weeks.
Someone with a lingering cough can take weeks to recover if untreated.
During this time, germs can be easily spread from person to person, especially in crowded places.
In fact, someone with mycoplasma is contagious for several weeks even after acute infection, said Dr Ong.
People at the highest risk for mycoplasma pneumonia are those who live or work in crowded areas like schools and day-care centres. The best thing to do to avoid getting the virus is to stay away from those who are coughing, said Dr Ong.
In temperate countries, outbreaks of mycoplasma infections occur in late summer and autumn, but in Singapore, there are no such seasonal outbreaks, she said.
Just like the flu, immunity to mycoplasma seems to wane after several years, said Dr Ong, adding that “recurrent mycoplasma infections are definitely possible.”
Patients who come down with the virus need not worry about costly medical bills, however. There are several effective oral options for treating it, which are generally inexpensive.
Many people get better without antibiotics and with ample rest, fluids and high - protein food, as symptoms tend to be milder than other types of pneumonia.
Doctors may prescribe antibiotics if the symptoms are more severe.
However, there is a certain risk in taking such antibiotics. While antibiotics themselves do not lower the body’s resistance, the bacteria that is naturally present in the body will become resistant to the antibiotics if used too often, making it harder to treat future infections, said Dr Ong.
With Singapore being a densely populated city, it may be impossible to avoid getting the virus. If you develop a fever, cough or shortness of breath, seek medical help. These symptoms have many possible causes, and it is important to be checked for pneumonia before the condition worsens.
Frequent washing of hands will also help to prevent the passing of germs.
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