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Atypical pneumonia

Alternative Names: Walking pneumonia; Chlamydophila pneumoniae Symptoms: chills fevers cough -- may be dry or produce phlegm headache muscular stiffness and aching breathing, rapid may be present shortness of breath may be present loss of appetite (anorexia) malaise confusion (especially with Legionella) rash (especially with Mycoplasma) diarrhea (especially with Legionella) Signs and tests: People with suspected pneumonia should undergo a medical evaluation, including a thorough physical exam and a chest X-ray -- especially since the physical exam may not always distinguish pneumonia from acute bronchitis or other respiratory infections. Text Continues Below Depending on the severity of illness, additional studies, such as a complete blood count, blood cultures, and sputum cultures, may be obtained. When certain forms of atypical pneumonia are suspected, tests of your urine or a throat swab may be ordered as well.

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