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This fall and winter, communities around the country have been affected by spikes in walking pneumonia. Locally, we’ve seen many families bringing kids in with nagging coughs that won’t go away, one of the warning signs of walking pneumonia. The CDC issued an alert about this worrisome infection this fall after observing rising rates across age groups, especially young children and adolescents. This winter, pediatricians are especially mindful when diagnosing respiratory illnesses. Walking pneumonia is generally mild but can turn into full-blown pneumonia, so it’s essential to see your pediatrician if you have symptoms.
What Is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be either bacterial or viral, with bacterial pneumonia generally the more serious diagnosis. In children, pneumonia symptoms include
rapid breathing, trouble breathing, wheezing, fever and lips, skin and fingertips turning blue. Sometimes, common viral illnesses like colds and flu can turn into pneumonia.
What Is Walking Pneumonia?
Walking pneumonia is a bacterial respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It’s called walking pneumonia because it’s generally less severe than other forms. Many people are still able to go about their daily lives with walking pneumonia (hence the name). However, it can still cause concerning symptoms and keep kids out of school and activities. If you suspect walking pneumonia, getting an accurate diagnosis is essential because some cases can turn into full-blown pneumonia.
The symptoms of walking pneumonia are usually mild and sometimes resemble a cold. They include a persistent cough, fever and sore throat. However, one of the telltale symptoms is its long duration, with a cough that can last for weeks. Walking pneumonia is spread through droplets from coughing and sneezing. It has a relatively long incubation period, which lends itself to outbreaks in schools and daycares.
How Can I If My Child Has Pneumonia or A Cold/Flu?
Sometimes, it can be hard to tell the difference between pneumonia and some common viral respiratory illnesses. However, colds and flu often appear gradually, while pneumonia symptoms occur suddenly. Bloody or green mucus is another telltale sign of pneumonia and prolonged coughing. When germs from a cold or flu get in your child’s lungs, it can become pneumonia. This is why we tell parents to come in when their child’s fever goes away and then returns–or if your child starts to feel bad again after feeling better for a few days.
Can My Pediatrician Treat Pneumonia?
Pediatricians generally don’t prescribe antibiotics for colds and flu because they don’t help with viral infections. However, pneumonia is often bacterial and treatable with antibiotics. Walking pneumonia is resistant to some antibiotics, but we can usually treat it with azithromycin (familiar to many patients as a Z-Pack). If your child develops full-blown pneumonia, sometimes hospitalization is required to administer fluids and IV antibiotics. Antibiotics won’t treat viral pneumonia, but breathing treatments and nebulizers can help relieve symptoms.
When Should I Call My Pediatrician If I Suspect Pneumonia?
One of the main signs of walking pneumonia is fatigue and a cough they can’t shake.
Having a fever or other symptoms return after going away is another major red flag for pediatricians and a sign that medical care is needed. If your child has asthma or another underlying condition, you should call your pediatrician if they experience respiratory symptoms. Walking pneumonia is generally mild in children, but we’re asking parents to stay vigilant. At Loudoun Pediatric Associates, walking pneumonia is on our radar screens as we work to help children and families have a safe and healthy winter season.
