Name of the Condition

• Acute bronchitis due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae
• ICD-10 Code: J20.0

Summary

Acute bronchitis caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes following infection with this specific type of bacteria. It primarily affects the respiratory tract, causing coughing and other related symptoms.

Causes

The condition is caused by an infection with the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Risk Factors

• Close contact with an infected person
• Living in crowded environments
• Young adults and school-age children are more frequently affected
• Compromised immune systems

Symptoms

• Persistent cough
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Mild fever
• Headache
• Chest discomfort

Diagnosis

• Medical history and physical examination
• Chest X-rays to rule out pneumonia
• Sputum or throat culture to identify Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Treatment Options

• Antibiotics such as azithromycin or doxycycline to treat Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection
• Over-the-counter medications for symptomatic relief
  • Cough suppressants and expectorants
  • Pain and fever reducers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Generally has a good prognosis with appropriate treatment
• Symptoms usually resolve within 1 to 3 weeks
• Follow-up may be necessary if symptoms persist or worsen

Complications

• Secondary bacterial infections
• Exacerbation of asthma or chronic bronchitis in susceptible individuals
• Rarely, development into pneumonia

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Frequent hand-washing
• Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
• Proper hygiene practices to prevent the spread
• Strengthening the immune system through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest

When to Seek Professional Help

• Persistent high fever
• Worsening cough or breathing difficulties
• Chest pain or bloody sputum
• Symptoms lasting more than three weeks

Additional Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• American Lung Association
• National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Confirm the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae as the causative agent
• Ensure differentiation from other types of bronchitis or respiratory infections
• Avoid coding errors by carefully reviewing the patient's medical records for specificity in diagnosis