Atypical pneumonia, also known as walking pneumonia, is a form of pneumonia caused by certain bacteria or viruses which does not respond to traditional treatments. It is usually less severe than typical pneumonia, and it is usually seen in adults aged 30-50.
The answer to the question of whether atypical pneumonia shows up on x-ray is yes, it can. Depending on the cause and severity of the atypical pneumonia, it may be visible on an x-ray. For example, if the pneumonia is caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae, an x-ray may show diffuse, patchy infiltrates, which are areas of increased density caused by fluid or inflammation. These infiltrates may be seen in the lower lobes of the lungs, but are not as severe as the lobar pneumonia seen with viral or bacterial pneumonia.
In addition to the infiltrates, an x-ray may also show an area of consolidation, which is an area of lung tissue that becomes denser due to fluid or inflammation. This is often seen in cases of atypical pneumonia caused by the bacteria Chlamydophila pneumoniae.
Overall, atypical pneumonia may show up on an x-ray, depending on the cause and severity. It is important to note that an x-ray is not always the best way to diagnose atypical pneumonia, as other tests may be more accurate. For example, a chest CT scan may be more sensitive in detecting the infiltrates seen in atypical pneumonia. It is also important to note that atypical pneumonia is usually diagnosed based on clinical symptoms, such as fever, cough, and fatigue, in addition to the results of any imaging tests.