Bad cough: Mycoplasma pneumoniae morbidity is on the rise in Russia
The number of people falling ill with Mycoplasma pneumoniae is increasing in Russia. Children and people with weakened immunity are in the risk group. "Izvestia" found out how dangerous this disease is, how to identify it in yourself and how to protect yourself from it.
Increase in the incidence of the disease
In Moscow and other regions of Russia, the number of people sickened with mycoplasma pneumonia is growing. This was told to "Izvestia" by Dmitry Bulanov, Director of the Department of Pathomorphology and Clinical Cytology of LabQuest, PhD.
According to the laboratory statistics, the incidence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae has increased sharply over the past year. For example, if in October - December 2023, the frequency of detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in patients was only 4.9%, then in the same period of this year (not including December), this figure increased to 19.6% - almost four times.
- Each year the outbreak began closer to the fall - in this April - June mycoplasma pneumoniae sickened 10.8% of those examined, and in July - September the figure rose to 21.5%. Children and immunocompromised people are the most frequent sufferers," says the expert.
The growth of cases of infection with mycoplasma pneumonia is also reported by Sergei Lozhkin, a pulmonologist at the FNCC FMBA of Russia. He also notes that outbreaks of the disease are recorded in different regions of the country. The disease itself is not obvious, and people, not knowing their diagnosis, are not isolated and infect others.
- The danger is in the absence of pronounced symptoms. Patients have a normal temperature, and sputum is not secreted. Give out the disease can only a slight cough, which is often left unattended. Lack of treatment leads to the formation of pulmonary fibrosis, people become vulnerable to any other infections ," notes the Izvestia interlocutor.
What is mycoplasma pneumonia
Mycoplasma pneumonia is an atypical form of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Despite the apparent ease of symptoms, mycoplasma requires specific treatment, as traditional antibiotics such as amoxicillin are ineffective against it.
- The causative agent of the disease - the bacterium mycoplasma - enters the body by airborne droplets. In a healthy person, it exists for a long time in a "dormant" state. However, at the slightest weakening of the immune system microorganisms begin to multiply, - says pulmonologist FNCC FMBA Sergei Lozhkin. - In the fall and winter period, the number of acute respiratory viral infections increases. It is at this time, the weakened body is vulnerable to mycoplasma, which is the reason for the increase in the number of pneumonia patients.
At the beginning of the disease, the symptoms are similar to the usual ARVI. A person has general weakness, possible runny nose, sore throat and muscles, chills and a slight cough. According to such signs, it is quite difficult to suspect pneumonia. However, if after five to seven days the cough or chills do not go away, it is worth seeking medical help and undergoing a computed tomography (CT) scan, which will reveal foci of inflammation.
- Mycoplasma pneumonia is dangerous not only for a long absence of symptoms, but also the difficulty of selecting appropriate drugs. The fact is that most antibacterial drugs act on the enzymes of the cell walls of bacteria. And mycoplasma instead has a cytoplasmic membrane. Therefore, if this disease is suspected, it is important to determine the causative agent of pneumonia with the help of laboratory tests, - notes pulmonologist.
What are the different types of pneumonia
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung tissue, which affects the lower parts of the respiratory tract, and sometimes the walls of the bronchi, says Dmitry Bulanov, candidate of medical sciences. All cases of the disease are divided into two main groups: out-of-hospital and in-hospital. This distinction determines the peculiarities of the course, methods of treatment and prevention. Out-of-hospital pneumonia occurs in people who are outside of medical institutions - for example, at home, at school or at work.
- Such pneumonias are divided into typical and atypical.Typical ones are caused by common flora, such as pneumococci or streptococci, and are often associated with seasonal colds. Atypical pneumonias are characterized by the involvement of rare pathogens such as chlamydia, mycoplasma, or pneumocystis. They are characterized by an atypical clinical picture, which makes it difficult to diagnose them and start proper treatment," says the Izvestia interlocutor.
In addition to mycoplasma, pneumonia is often caused by pneumococcal infection. Its symptoms develop quickly, within two days. The disease is accompanied by high fever, severe cough with copious sputum, chest pain and shortness of breath. If untreated, the disease is dangerous complications: lung abscess, pleurisy, acute respiratory failure.
- The inflammatory process can spread throughout the body, affecting the heart, liver, kidneys and brain. Therefore, it is important to urgently consult a doctor, - warns Bulanov.
Hospital-acquired pneumonia usually develops in hospitalized patients, most often in those who are on artificial ventilation (AVL). The causative agents are often multidrug-resistant strains of bacteria that are resistant to most antibiotics. Hospital-acquired pneumonia often develops in debilitated patients in serious condition, which complicates treatment. This is why it is important to have strict sanitary controls in hospitals, including regular cleaning, disinfection of surfaces and airborne microflora testing.
Why pneumonia occurs
As Dmitry Bulanov tells us, the reasons for the development of the disease are related to the characteristics of the pathogen and the state of the human body. If the pathogen is aggressive, the inflammatory process can develop quickly, with a pronounced clinical picture. The state of immunity is also important: weakened patients, especially the elderly or persons with chronic diseases, are prone to a more severe and rapid course of pneumonia.
- On average, in people with normal immunity, the acute period of pneumonia lasts about two to three weeks, and for complete resolution of inflammatory changes in the lung tissue may take up to a month. However, there are forms that have a protracted character. For example, atypical pneumonias can last for months, especially if the causative agent was not identified in time and treatment was ineffective," says the Izvestia interlocutor.
In general, pneumonia is considered a contagious disease, especially if it is caused by viruses. Contagiousness, or the degree of contagiousness, depends largely on the nature of the causative agent. Viral infections such as influenza, COVID-19 or respiratory syncytial virus are easily transmitted and can cause pneumonia, especially in weakened people.
- Repeated or frequent pneumonias carry a serious risk: they can lead to chronic respiratory diseases. For example, such patients have an increased risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pleurisy or bronchiectatic disease. Constant inflammation and coughing can deform the bronchi, impairing their function. In addition, frequent pneumonias increase the likelihood of forming persistent changes in lung tissue," concludes the expert.
Prevention and treatment
Prevention of pneumonia includes several points. First, says Dmitry Bulanov, is vaccination against pneumococcal, Haemophilus influenzae and influenza. Regular flu vaccination is important for people at risk, including elderly patients, people with chronic diseases and those who live in organized groups, such as nursing homes. It should be done before the epidemic season begins so that the body has time to develop immunity.
- In order to reduce the risk of developing pneumonia, it is important to treat colds and respiratory diseases, strengthen immunity, observe the rules of hygiene and pay attention to the state of health. If coughing, weakness or other symptoms do not go away within a few weeks, you should see your doctor. Ignoring symptoms can lead to serious complications and a prolonged course of the disease," says the Izvestia interlocutor.
To protect against SARS, including mycoplasma, one should avoid mass gatherings of people, wash hands with soap and water, and ventilate living and working spaces. In addition, Anna Sazhina, therapist of VSK Digital Clinic, adds that it is important to strengthen immunity - get enough sleep, eat a varied diet, take more frequent walks in the fresh air.
- If you fall ill, you should be treated under the supervision of specialists. The correct dosage and compliance with the duration of antibiotics is very important for a complete cure and prevent the development of resistance in bacteria, - says the therapist.
The doctor can detect deterioration in time and adjust the patient's management tactics to prevent complications such as pleurisy, lung abscess or sepsis, which require specialized medical care. Counseling and management help improve prognosis and reduce the risks associated with any of the pneumonias.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
