Atypical pneumonia is a type of infection that is caused by a number of different organisms, including viruses and bacteria. It is usually less serious than "typical" pneumonia, which is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. Atypical pneumonia is often milder and less severe than typical pneumonia, and may not require hospitalization.
Causes of Atypical Pneumonia
Atypical pneumonia is caused by a number of different organisms, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The most common causes of atypical pneumonia are:
Mycoplasma pneumoniae: Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that causes a mild form of atypical pneumonia. It is the most common cause of atypical pneumonia in children and young adults.
Legionella pneumophila: Legionella pneumophila is a type of bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease, a more severe form of atypical pneumonia.
Chlamydophila pneumoniae: Chlamydophila pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that causes a mild form of atypical pneumonia.
Viruses: Viruses, such as the influenza virus, can also cause atypical pneumonia.
Fungi: A variety of fungi, such as Histoplasma capsulatum, can cause a type of atypical pneumonia known as histoplasmosis.
Risk Factors
Anyone can get atypical pneumonia, but there are certain groups of people who are at an increased risk of developing the infection. These include:
Young adults: Young adults between the ages of 20 and 40 are more likely to develop atypical pneumonia than other age groups.
People with weakened immune systems: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or transplant recipients, are more likely to develop atypical pneumonia.
Smokers: Smokers are more likely to develop atypical pneumonia than non-smokers.
People with chronic illnesses: People with chronic illnesses, such as COPD, diabetes, or heart disease, are more likely to develop atypical pneumonia.
Complications
Atypical pneumonia can lead to a number of complications, including:
Lung abscess: A lung abscess is a pocket of pus that can form in the lungs as a result of infection.
Lung scarring: Lung scarring is a condition in which the air sacs in the lungs become damaged due to infection.
Septic shock: Septic shock is a life-threatening condition in which the body's response to infection leads to a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Respiratory failure: Respiratory failure is a condition in which the lungs are unable to provide enough oxygen to the body.
Bacterial pneumonia: Bacterial pneumonia is a secondary infection that can develop as a result of atypical pneumonia.