Treatment:

Antibiotics that work against Mycoplasma include macrolides, quinolones, and tetracyclines. You can take these steps at home:

• Control your fever with aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen), or acetaminophen. DO NOT give aspirin to children.
• Do not take cough medicines without first talking to your doctor. Cough medicines may make it harder for your body to cough up the extra sputum.
• Drink plenty of fluids to help loosen secretions and bring up phlegm.
• Get a lot of rest. Have someone else do household chores.

Expectations (prognosis):

Most people recover completely even without antibiotics, although antibiotics may speed recovery. In untreated adults, cough and weakness can persist for up to a month.

Complications:

• Ear infections
• Hemolytic anemia
• Severe pneumonia
• Skin rashes

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop a fever, cough, or shortness of breath. While there are numerous causes for these symptoms, you will need to be checked for pneumonia.

Also, call if you have been diagnosed with this type of pneumonia and your symptoms become worse.