Chlamydia is a group of microorganisms that consists of various species. They can cause different diseases. Thus, many people associate this pathogen only with sexually transmitted issues. However, there is also Chlamydia pneumonia that attacks the respiratory tract and causes its disorders, including pneumonia.
What is Chlamydia Pneumoniae
This small microorganism gets into the body through the respiratory tract and influences mainly it. Thus, its development and growth lead to the inflammation of the tissues and such health conditions as sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia.
The severity of the disease depends mainly on the general condition of the patient and the selected treatment. Without proper diagnostics, there is no way to distinguish pneumonia caused by this bacterium from other types. At the same time, if the main culprit is determined, the doctor can select a better antibiotic and the required dose that will kill it.
How it spreads
The bacteria spreads with the help of respiratory droplets. Thus, when the infected person coughs or sneezes and does not care about hygiene, the infection easily penetrates the bodies of the surrounding people.
That is why it is so important to take care of hygiene issues and explain their main rules to people. The simplest step is to wear a mask when you feel bad to stop spreading bacteria or while being in a crowd.
Prevalence
The disease is spread easily among the communities with close contacts. Therefore, universities, schools, kindergartens, hospitals, various care facilities and military barracks often become places that spread the bacteria.
There is no specific prevalence according to region or country. Thus, this bacterium can spread everywhere if there are favorable conditions and big groups of people that stay in close contact for a few hours.
Symptoms
No matter what is the primary cause of pneumonia, the patients usually experience the following signs:
- fatigue;
- headaches;
- high temperature;
- runny and stuffy nose;
- sore throat and hoarse voice;
- persistent cough.
Thus, all these symptoms are common for respiratory diseases. They can appear gradually, Some may be more pronounced than others.
In addition, pain in the chest may appear and difficulties with breathing. In such a case, one must search for medical help at once. This is a sign of severe pneumonia that requires immediate treatment with antibiotics.
Diagnosis
The doctor usually starts with the physical examination of the patient and gathering all the disturbing symptoms. To prove the pneumonia, he may prescribe CT scans or X-ray investigations.
However, these methods do not reveal the nature of the pathogen. Thus, in order to determine the main culprit, PCR tests, serology or culture tests are utilized. The analysis of sputum and blood provides sufficient information about the bacteria that caused the diseases and allows the selection of the proper treatment.
Treatment
The patient with pneumonia should stay in bed and drink plenty of liquids. Depending on the symptoms, the doctor prescribes antipyretics and anti-inflammatory medicines, as well as nasal drops and remedies against cough or for the better production of mucus.
In addition, the following antibiotics are used:
- azithromycin;
- tetracyclines, especially Doxycycline;
- fluoroquinolones.
They are able to combat Chlamydia Pneumoniae. The proper dose and scheme of the treatment are crucial. That is why antibiotics are prescribed by the doctor after the analysis and determination of the main pathogen that causes the illness.
Complications
Pneumonia that is caused by Chlamydia Pneumoniae rarely causes severe complications and usually responds to the treatment well enough.
However, people with asthma should be careful as prolonged inflammation of the respiratory tract may worsen the situation. In addition, inadequate treatment sometimes leads to swelling of the heart or brain. In order to avoid such consequences, the proper diagnostics and treatment are required.
Prevention
As usual, it is much easier to prevent the illness than to combat it. Good hygiene is the primary and the best tool that helps in the prevention of all respiratory transmitted infections.
Therefore, in case you are ill do not neglect the following rules:
- wear a mask if you need to go out and there are many people around you;
- avoid close contact with relatives or friends;
- cough or sneeze into your elbow;
- accurately dispose of used tissues.
During other times, pay attention to hand hygiene and the following pieces of advice:
- wash your hands with soap and warm water after coming home, before and after meals;
- utilize hand sanitizer with alcohol in its composition when there is no chance to wash your hands properly;
- do not touch your face, eyes, nose and mouth during the day, especially if your hands are not washed.
Furthermore, lead a healthy lifestyle, switch to a healthy diet and quit such bad habits as smoking and drinking too much alcohol. The stronger your body and the immune system, the lesser the chances of getting diseases from the environment.
Summary
Altogether, Chlamydia Pneumoniae is a possible cause of pneumonia. It is not very common but happens sometimes. Therefore, if you feel bad and it is a respiratory disorder, do not neglect visiting a doctor and getting proper diagnostics and treatment.
Such an approach contributes to faster recovery and allows avoiding complications and long continuation of the disease. Modern medicine cures such conditions without any problems and treatment schemes with antibiotics like Doxycycline always work well.
FAQ
Can you get pneumonia from Chlamydia?
Yes, if it is Chlamydia Pneumoniae. This species influences the respiratory tract and causes symptoms similar to other diseases of this kind.
How long does it take to recover from Chlamydia pneumoniae?
On average, the recovery lasts up to 7-10 days. The exact time depends on the overall condition of the patient, diagnostics and chosen treatment scheme.
Is atypical pneumonia caused by Chlamydia?
No, this is the name for the illness caused by another pathogen. Chlamydia pneumonia is not considered dangerous but still requires adequate and timely treatment.
What is the new name for Chlamydia pneumoniae?
This bacterium is sometimes called Chlamydophila to distinguish it from other similar microorganisms. However, there is no unique name for it.