Understanding Mycoplasma Pneumonia: What Parents Need to Know
As parents, it’s natural to worry when your child isn’t feeling well, and hearing terms like “pneumonia” can be a bit scary. Mycoplasma pneumonia is a type of “walking pneumonia” common in older children and teens. While it’s usually milder than other forms of pneumonia, it’s still something that needs attention and care. Let’s break down what mycoplasma pneumonia is, what to look out for, and what to do if you think your child might have it.
what to know
Mycoplasma pneumonia is a type of lung infection caused by bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It’s often milder than other forms of pneumonia and can sometimes go undiagnosed because children with it may still be active, even if they’re not feeling their best. It’s sometimes called “walking pneumonia” because children may not seem sick enough to be bedridden. Despite this, it can still cause more serious problems (complications of pneumonia like a pleural effusion, deeper rashes, etc.) in some children.
what it looks like
The symptoms of mycoplasma pneumonia can develop gradually over a week or so and might not seem very intense at first. We are currently seeing it most commonly in kids 5 years old and older. Here’s what you may notice:
Cough: A dry cough is the most common symptom. The cough may linger and sometimes becomes more pronounced at night.
Fever: Some kids may have prolonged fever (more than 3-5 days).
Fatigue: Your child may seem more tired than usual, even if they’re not acting sick otherwise.
Headache and/or sore throat: These are other common symptoms and can sometimes be mistaken for a simple cold.
Chest Pain: Some children may feel mild discomfort in their chest when breathing deeply or coughing.
when to see your doctor
If your child has been coughing for more than a week, seems more tired than usual, or is running a low fever that doesn’t improve, it’s a good idea to have them checked out by a healthcare provider. While mycoplasma pneumonia is generally mild, it can lead to complications if left untreated, especially if your child has asthma or another underlying condition. It is also tricky to sometimes diagnose, so we do use a combination of clinical clues and sometimes imaging or lab tests to confirm.
When you visit your care team, they’ll perform a physical exam and ask about your child’s symptoms. Here’s what the process might involve:
Listening to the Chest: The doctor will listen to your child’s lungs with a stethoscope for sounds that indicate infection or fluid (rales) in the lungs.
Chest X-ray: In some cases, they may order an X-ray to check for signs of pneumonia, particularly if they suspect the infection is affecting a larger area of the lungs. Chest x-rays may show a patchy pattern that is in different parts of the lungs. *It’s important to know that a chest x-ray doesn’t always capture pneumonia, especially if it is early on in the illness (x-ray findings can lag behind clinical symptoms) and/or if your child is dehydrated.
A PCR Test: We can take a nasopharyngeal swab and test for Mycoplasma (a PCR test).
how it’s treated
The good news is that mycoplasma pneumonia typically responds well to antibiotics. Here’s what to expect for treatment:
Antibiotics: Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics like azithromycin. These help reduce the infection, ease symptoms, and shorten the duration of illness.
Rest and Hydration: As with any illness, make sure your child gets plenty of rest and drinks enough fluids. Hydration helps thin mucus, making it easier for them to cough it up.
Symptom Relief: One of the best things you can do is focus on hydration and rest for your child. Steamy, humidified air can help to loosen congestion. Honey (*For kids over 1 year old) and warm liquids can help with soothing sore throat and congestion. If they need, you can try children’s ibuprofen or children’s tylenol as directed to help manage fever and aches.
when to seek help
if your child’s symptoms are getting worse and bothering them, despite the care above
if your child still has a fever 48-72 hours after starting antibiotics
if your child is dehydrated and unable to tolerate fluids
if they don’t seem to be getting better
with any questions or concerns
tips for prevention
At the end of the day, it’s really about the basics — practicing general hygiene helps reduce the spread of germs:
Handwashing: Regular handwashing with soap and water is crucial, especially after school, playtime, or being around other children.
Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Teach your child to cover their mouth with a tissue or their elbow when they cough or sneeze.
Avoid Close Contact: If someone in the house is sick, try to limit close contact as best as you can. I know it’s not easy, but just do your best!
While mycoplasma pneumonia is generally mild, it’s important to take action if your child’s cough and fatigue don’t improve over time. Antibiotics are effective, and with a bit of rest, most kids recover fully within a couple of weeks. If you have any concerns or if symptoms worsen, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.
Remember, every case is unique, so trust your instincts and seek care whenever you feel it’s necessary.