Atypical pneumonia (Pediatrics - PEDS)

It is an inflammation of the lung secondary to an infection. It is called atypical because it does not follow the usual clinical or radiological course and the bacteria that causes it is often different from the ones that are common in typical pneumonia. Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Coxiella burnetii, Legionella pneumophila, and Chlamydophila psittaci are examples of bacteria that cause this type of pneumonia, although in certain age groups, they are quite common. Children have more progressive or less acute symptoms and are sometimes less affected with more striking general symptoms than respiratory symptoms, such as headache, confusion, low-energy, loss of appetite, muscle aches, diarrhea, etc. Diagnosis is clinical and is confirmed by a blood test, x-ray and serology. Supportive care includes oxygen therapy if there is moderate-severe respiratory failure, painkillers, antipyretics, bronchodilators, etc. Antibiotic treatment will vary depending on the bacterium that causes the disease.