We’ve all been there—your child comes down with a simple cold, and you expect it to clear up in a few days. But what happens when that nagging cough sticks around longer than usual? Or your child starts feeling more tired than normal? It could be more than just a cold—it might be walking pneumonia.
At Newport Children Medical Group, we’re here to help you spot the signs, understand what walking pneumonia is, and know exactly what to do if your child has it.
What is Walking Pneumonia (Mycoplasma)?
Despite the name, walking pneumonia isn’t as scary as it sounds. It’s a milder form of pneumonia caused by a bacterial infection, most commonly Mycoplasma pneumoniae. The “walking” part means that children usually don’t feel sick enough to stay in bed all day, but they still have symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored.
Think of it as the middle ground between a common cold and full-blown pneumonia. Children with walking pneumonia can often go about their day, but they’ll have a persistent cough and might seem more tired than usual.
How Does a Cold or the Flu Turn into Walking Pneumonia?
It usually starts out looking like a regular cold or flu with a runny nose, sore throat, or mild fever, but after a few days, things don’t get better. In fact, they might even get worse. That’s when it’s time to consider walking pneumonia.
Here’s how it happens:
- Initial Cold Symptoms: Your child has typical cold symptoms like a stuffy nose, cough, and slight fever.
- Symptoms Linger: After a week or so, instead of getting better, the child’s cough gets worse, turning into bronchitis, and your child may start feeling more fatigued.
- Walking Pneumonia Develops: The infection settles into the lungs, causing more pronounced symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms Your Children Might Have Walking Pneumonia
So, how do you know if it’s just a stubborn cold or something more? Here are the signs to watch out for:
- Persistent, dry cough that lasts more than a week
- Mild fever that doesn’t go away or keeps coming back
- Fatigue or weakness, even if they’re still playing
- Chest pain or discomfort when coughing or breathing deeply
- Headache or sore throat that lingers longer than usual
- Shortness of breath or wheezing in some cases
While children with walking pneumonia can often keep up with daily activities, you’ll probably notice they’re not quite themselves. This is when you should call your pediatric care provider.
When to Call the Doctor
If your child has a cough that just won’t quit, or if they’re feeling more tired than usual, it’s a good idea to check in with your pediatrician. You should call right away if you notice:
- Trouble breathing or rapid breathing
- Bluish lips or fingertips
- High fever (over 103°F)
- Severe chest pain
- Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, fewer wet diapers, or not peeing as much)
At Newport Children’s Medical Group, we can evaluate your child’s health, listen to their lungs, and recommend a chest X-ray or other tests to confirm if it’s walking pneumonia.
How is Pneumonia Treated in Kids?
The good news? Walking pneumonia is usually treatable with antibiotics since it’s caused by bacteria. Once your child starts antibiotics, you should see improvement within a few days, but it’s important to finish the entire course, even if they start feeling better.
Other Ways to Help Your Child Feel Better:
- Rest: Even if they’re feeling okay, rest helps the body heal.
- Stay Hydrated: Encourage lots of fluids to keep mucus thin and prevent dehydration.
- Use a Humidifier: Moist air can help ease a nagging cough.
- Pain Relievers: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and discomfort (but always check with your doctor first).
Can Pneumonia Be Prevented?
There’s no vaccine for walking pneumonia, but you can take steps to reduce the risk:
- Frequent handwashing to prevent spreading germs.
- Teach kids to cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid close contact with anyone who’s sick.
- Encourage your child to stay home when they’re feeling under the weather to prevent spreading illness to others.
Contact Newport Children Medical Office for Your Child’s Health
Walking pneumonia might sound intimidating, but with the right care and treatment, most kids recover quickly and get back to their usual activities in no time. If you’re ever unsure whether your child’s cold has turned into something more, trust your instincts and reach out to your pediatrician.
At Newport Children’s Medical Group, we’re here to support you and your family every step of the way. Whether it’s a stubborn cold or something more, we’ve got your child’s health covered. Contact us today for more information on our services and how we can help your children feel better. Patient care is our number 1 priority.