Typical pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that is caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It is characterized by inflammation of the alveoli, the air sacs in the lungs, which can lead to difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing, and fever. Typical pneumonia is usually treated with antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals.
Atypical pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by organisms such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila. Unlike typical pneumonia, atypical pneumonia does not respond to antibiotics and is treated with antivirals or antibiotics that have a broad spectrum of activity. Symptoms of atypical pneumonia are similar to those of typical pneumonia, but may be less severe. These include dry cough, slight fever, and fatigue. In some cases, atypical pneumonia can be more severe than typical pneumonia and may require hospitalization.
In summary, the main difference between typical and atypical pneumonia is the type of organism that causes the infection. Typical pneumonia is caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and is usually treated with antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals. Atypical pneumonia is caused by organisms such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila, and is treated with antivirals or antibiotics that have a broad spectrum of activity. Typical pneumonia is usually less severe than atypical pneumonia and may not require hospitalization.