Atypical pneumonia is caused by some bacteria such as mycoplasma pneumonia, chlamydophila pneumonia and legionella pneumophila. The condition caused by chlamydophila and mycopaslma bacteria normally results in mild kinds of pneumonia. Mycoplasma pneumonia usually affects younger individuals and this condition may also be associated with anemia, some forms of rashes and some neurological conditions like myelitis, meningitis along with encephalitis.

Chlamydia related pneumonia accounts for around 5 to 15% of the pneumonia cases. Atypical pneumonia caused by legionella accounts for around 2 to 6% of the pneumonia cases and the death rate in this is quite high. Smokers and those suffering from chronic illnesses or weak immune systems along with older adults are often at a higher risk of suffering from this condition.

Symptoms associated with atypical pneumonia include chills, along with cough and fever. A general ill feeling may persist along with headache and loss of appetite. Pneumonia cause by legionella bacteria may also cause confusion and diarrhea. Rapid breathing, muscle stiffness and shortness of breath are some other symptoms. In Mycoplasma pneumonia rash is commonly observed.

Those individuals suspected to have atypical pneumonia should be medically examined and evaluated. A thorough physical examination along with chest x-ray should be conducted. This is because simple physical examination cannot distinguish pneumonia from a case of acute bronchitis or some other respiratory infections.

Additional tests and studies that may be undertaken in atypical pneumonia include complete blood count, blood cultures, bronchoscopy, blood tests for some antibodies related to specific bacteria and sputum culture along with open lung biopsy. Throat swab and urine tests may also be needed. Treatment of this condition requires the patient to take some antibiotics.

If the atypical pneumonia condition or infection is mild then antibiotics can be taken by mouth. However if the infection is severe then the person may be admitted to the hospital and the antibiotics may be administered intravenously. Some antibiotics that are given for this condition include Azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, tetracyclines and fluroquinolones along with their derivatives.

Patients suffering from pneumonia caused by chlamydophila and mycoplasma tend to recover well with the correct antibiotic therapy. In case of atypical pneumonia caused by legionella the infection can be rather severe particularly among the elder population or those suffering from chronic illnesses and having weak immune system. Some possible complications that may occur with this condition include lung failure and haemolytic anemia. The heath provider should be contacted if the patient develops problems like fever, cough along with shortness of breath.