Doctors warn: wave of pneumonia threatens our health!

Doctors warn: wave of pneumonia threatens our health!

doctors in Germany, especially in Hesse, warn of a worrying wave of pneumonia caused by mycoplasms and chlamydia. These bacterial pathogens are common triggers of respiratory infections and can lead to serious illnesses, in particular pneumonia. Dr. med. Martin Ebel, general practitioner in Bad Hersfeld, emphasizes that the persistence of these bacteria should not be underestimated. In his practice, the number of pneumonia cases in the winter quarter has doubled to 40 to 50, which is alarming.

In December alone, 15 to 20 patients had to be treated inpatient. Although there is a limited selection of antibiotics for treatment, there is no bottleneck with these medication. However, a disturbing problem remains that many infected people see too late how seriously they are ill. Long -lasting symptoms such as cough are often ignored and not medically clarified, which can lead to more difficult courses. It is therefore important to take serious colds seriously, since other organs can also be affected. An important point is that there is no vaccination against mycoplasms or chlamydia.

infection and symptoms

The infection with mycoplasms is mainly through cough or sneezing, which favors a droplet infection. Alternatively, a lubrication infection via contaminated surfaces such as door handles can also lead to transmission. Most of the courses of mycoplasm infection are mild, but more difficult forms are not excluded. If you suspect pneumonia, a visit to the doctor is urgently advisable, especially for older people or those with a weakened immune system.

The symptoms of mycoplasm infection are often unspecific and resemble a cold or flu. This includes cough, sore throat, light fever and fatigue, often also in children diarrhea and vomiting. The incubation period is 2 to 4 weeks, which can result in disease waves every 3 to 4 years. An increase in pulmonary inflammation and persistent cough has been observed, especially in recent months, which could also be due to the loosening of corona protection measures. These had previously contained the spread of mycoplasms, and the current wave is not due to more aggressive pathogens, but to a high number of infection and decreasing immunity.

diagnosis and treatment

The diagnosis is usually done by a throat smear. The treatment can usually be carried out on an outpatient basis. Antibiotics such as doxycycline or erythromycin are common therapy options because mycoplasms do not have cell walls and therefore do not respond to penicillins. The treatment usually takes about seven days. For particularly vulnerable groups, such as older people and people with previous illnesses, hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases.

Not only do mycoplasms cause pneumonia, pneumococci are also known to trigger severe disease courses. The symptoms of pneumococcal lititis differ in high fever, chills and shortness of breath, which requires faster medical intervention. According to Dr. EBEL should be observed prevention measures such as regular hand washing, hygiene, distance rules and wearing masks. In addition, a healthy lifestyle with vitamin C, fresh air and movement can contribute to strengthening immunity.

The current developments illustrate the need to clarify mycoplasm infections and to focus on preventive measures. In view of the increasing number of cases, prophylaxis is becoming increasingly important in order to avoid serious disease courses and not to put a strain on the health system. The focus should be on a timely medical examination in order to rule out more serious causes and treat possible illnesses at an early stage.

The information on mycoplasms and their effects come from the latest reports and studies that underline the urgency of the topic. Doctors, parents and society are now more challenged than ever to actively deal with this health issue and to take suitable measures for prevention.

dr. med. EBEL concludes that even if the increased respiratory infections could possibly be related to corona pandemic, it is important to actively take care of your own health and take the symptoms seriously. The current situation reminds us that classic hygiene practices and a healthy life are essential for individual and public health.

For further information about mycoplasms, its symptoms and the treatment options, visit Practical tips and Tagesanzeiger .