Patient education: Mycoplasma pneumonia in children (The Basics)

What is Mycoplasma pneumonia? — 

This is a lung infection that can cause a cough, fever, sore throat, and other symptoms. It is slightly different from the type of pneumonia people normally think of when they hear that term. Mycoplasma pneumonia is caused by a specific type of bacteria. The symptoms it causes are also slightly different.

What are the symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumonia in children? — 

The symptoms begin slowly. At first, a child might have a headache and a mild fever, and generally not feel well. Later, they might get a sore throat and cough. These symptoms are similar to those of a cold. But Mycoplasma pneumonia can also cause other symptoms, including:

●Headache

●Sore throat

●A rash or blisters on the lips or in the mouth

●Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

●Muscle aches

●Pain in the knees, hips, or other joints

Should my child see a doctor or nurse? — 

Yes. If your child has the symptoms described above, see a doctor or nurse right away.

Call for an ambulance (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if your child:

●Stops breathing

●Has blue lips, gums, or fingernails

●Has a very hard time breathing

●Starts grunting

●Is getting tired from having to work so hard to breathe

If a doctor or nurse thinks your child might have pneumonia, they will do an exam and listen to your child's breathing. They might also take an X-ray of their chest and do some blood tests.

How is Mycoplasma pneumonia treated? — 

Mycoplasma pneumonia is treated with a specific type of antibiotic that comes as pills or liquids. Antibiotics are medicines that kill bacteria. Make sure your child takes all the antibiotics, even if they start to feel better.

When will my child feel better? — 

Most children start to feel better 2 to 3 days after starting antibiotics. Even so, your child might still feel tired or have a cough for a few weeks or even months after treatment. It might also take a few months before they can breathe comfortably while exercising.

How do I care for my child at home? — 

Try to keep your child as comfortable as possible, and make sure they get lots of rest. Give them plenty of fluids to drink. For babies and very young children, it might help to offer small amounts of fluids frequently (instead of large amounts less often).

Over-the-counter medicines such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin) can help relieve pain and discomfort caused by fever. The correct dose depends on your child's weight, so ask their doctor how much to give.

Do not give your child over-the-counter cough medicines. They do not usually work well, and they can have serious side effects in children. Also, do not give aspirin or medicines that contain aspirin to children younger than 18 years. In children, aspirin can cause a serious problem called Reye syndrome.

Call your child's doctor or nurse if your child does not seem to be getting better after 2 days. They might need a different type of treatment.

How can I prevent my child from getting pneumonia again? — 

Wash your child's hands often with soap and water. It is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infection. You can use an alcohol rub instead, but make sure it gets everywhere on your child's hands.

There are several vaccines that help protect against pneumonia. Talk to your child's doctor or nurse about which vaccines your child should get and when.

More on this topic

Patient education: Pneumonia in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Headaches in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Fever in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Cough in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (The Basics)
Patient education: What you should know about antibiotics (The Basics)
Patient education: Vaccines for babies and children age 0 to 6 years (The Basics)
Patient education: Vaccines for children age 7 to 18 years (The Basics)

Patient education: Headache in children (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Fever in children (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Vaccines for infants and children age 0 to 6 years (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Vaccines for children age 7 to 18 years (Beyond the Basics)