How long does it take for mycoplasma pneumonia to turn negative?
Apr 29, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Jingli
Introduction
Mycoplasma pneumonia typically becomes negative within 2–4 weeks, though the exact duration varies from person to person. If a patient has a relatively strong immune system and mild symptoms, the test usually turns negative in about two weeks. However, if the patient has poor immunity and more severe illness accompanied by persistent dry cough, fever, chest pain, headache, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes, it may take up to four weeks to become negative.
Generally, Mycoplasma pneumonia turns negative within 2 to 4 weeks, though the exact duration varies from person to person. If any discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Mycoplasma pneumonia is an acute lung inflammation caused by infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which stimulates the immune system to produce specific antibodies, resulting in a positive test result. If a patient has a relatively strong immune system and only mild symptoms such as fatigue and body aches, the condition typically resolves and turns negative within about 2 weeks with appropriate treatment. However, if the patient has a weaker immune system and more severe disease—accompanied by persistent dry cough, fever, chest pain, headache, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes—the recovery process may take longer, potentially up to 4 weeks for the test to turn negative. During illness, patients can follow medical advice to use antibiotics to alleviate symptoms and shorten the course of the disease. Commonly used antibiotics include azithromycin granules, enteric-coated erythromycin capsules, and tetracycline tablets, which help promote recovery.
During recovery, adequate rest is important. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption, maintain a light diet, and reduce intake of spicy and irritating foods such as chili peppers, spicy chicken, and hot pot.
