What are the symptoms of Walking Pneumonia? Major surge in cases among children as map shows rapid spread of respiratory illness
Doctors and parents are warning about a rise in walking pneumonia among US children – a year after a frightening outbreak overseas.
The infection, also known as ‘white lung’ pneumonia, is caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumonia and is particularly affecting youngsters aged two to four who were born during the Covid pandemic.
More than 10 percent of emergency room visits with pneumonia in this age group were diagnosed with the bacteria at the peak in August.
But what are the symptoms of this dreadful disease?
Symptoms may come on suddenly or can take longer to start – making the condition difficult to diagnose. KidsHealth.org suggests that if cold symptoms last more than 7 to 10 days this could be a sign of walking pneumonia.
More than 10 percent of emergency room visits with pneumonia in this age group were diagnosed with the illness at its peak in August
The white masses in the lungs represent fluid-filled air sacs that infectious disease experts say indicate mycoplasma pneumonia
Though symptoms of the concerning infection bear a close resemblance to those of the common cold here are a few sure-fire signs to look out for:
- A fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or below
- A persistent, unrelenting cough that can last for week to months
- General fatigue
- Headache, chills, sore throat and other flu-like symptoms
- Labored breathing or wheezing
- Ear pain
- Chest pain
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Rash
- Joint pain
Symptoms usually depend on where the infection is concentrated. A child whose infection is in the top or middle part of the lungs will probably have labored breathing. Another whose infection is in the lower part of the lungs may have no breathing problems, but may have an upset stomach, nausea or vomiting.
Alma Geddes, three, was one of several children doctors at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center have seen so far this year with pneumonia
Typically, kids with this type of pneumonia don’t feel sick enough to stay home – hence the name ‘walking pneumonia’ – but even a child who feels fine should stay home for a few days until symptoms improve, KidsHealth.org recommends.
A 5-to-10-day course of oral antibiotics is most commonly recommended as effective treatment for the condition, experts say.
After starting on antibiotics, the infected child is less likely to pass the illness to other family members, however it is strongly encouraged that those experiencing any symptoms not share drinking glasses, eating utensils, towels, or toothbrushes.
With treatment most types of bacterial pneumonia disappear within 1–2 weeks, but persistent coughing can take up to 4–6 weeks to go away.
