Doctors and parents are warning of a rise in walking pneumonia among American children, a year after a frightening outbreak abroad.
The infection, also known as “white lung” pneumonia, is caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumonia and especially affects children between two and four years old 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 its peak in August.
But what are the symptoms of this terrible disease?
Symptoms may appear suddenly or take longer to begin, making the condition difficult to diagnose. KidsHealth.org suggests that if cold symptoms last longer than 7 to 10 days, this could be a sign of walking pneumonia.
More than 10 percent of emergency room visits for pneumonia in this age group were diagnosed with the disease at its peak in August.
White masses in the lungs represent fluid-filled air sacs that infectious disease experts say indicate mycoplasma pneumonia.
Although the symptoms of the infection in question are very similar to those of the common cold, here are some safe signs to look out for:
- Fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or lower
- A persistent, relentless cough that can last from a week to months.
- generalized 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 upper or middle part of the lungs will probably have trouble breathing. Another person whose infection is in the lower part of the lungs may not have breathing problems, but may have an upset stomach, nausea, or vomiting.
Three-year-old Alma Geddes was one of several children doctors at Greater Baltimore Medical Center have treated so far this year with pneumonia.
Typically, children with this type of pneumonia do not feel sick enough to stay home (hence the name “walking pneumonia”), but even a child who feels well should stay home for a few days until the symptoms improve, recommends KidsHealth.org.
According to experts, an effective treatment with oral antibiotics for 5 to 10 days is most commonly recommended.
After starting antibiotics, the infected child is less likely to spread the disease to other family members; however, it is strongly recommended that those experiencing any symptoms do not share drinking glasses, eating utensils, towels, or toothbrushes.
With treatment, most types of bacterial pneumonia clear up within 1 to 2 weeks, but a persistent cough can take up to 4 to 6 weeks to clear up.
