Walking pneumonia in children is the mild pneumonia. This is caused by a bacteria, named Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This is a respiratory tract infection and is not that severe as that caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae or other variants of pneumococcus bacteria. These viruses also cause viral pneumonia. This articles gives information on warning signs and treatments for walking pneumonia in children.
Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia in Children:
It is not compulsory that a child with walking pneumonia should take bed rest, but can move around and walk freely also. Thus, this is named as walking pneumonia. Following are some symptoms of walking pneumonia in children. These may be helpful for a parent to identify the condition.
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Symptoms of influenza or common cold are noticed at the onset of infection.
- Cough lasts for more than a week
- Severe headache
- Sore throat
- Decrease in child’s activities
Child suffering from walking pneumonia appears to hold his fort at onset against the condition. Later, some symptoms can disappear. On the other hand, some symptoms may worsen. It is rare that children to have infections that leads to cough and fever. However, parent should be cautious if the child continues coughing even after the fever abates. It is a serious condition, if child suffers from dry cough during night times. In this condition, proper medical attention should be given to child.
Treatments and Diagnosis for Walking Pneumonia in Children:
Walking pneumonia is a cause of concern as it is contagious. This spreads through airborne water droplets expelled out by infected person. Following are some treatments for walking pneumonia in children.
- Antibiotics are prescribed by the doctor.
- X-ray helps the doctor to examine the severity of the condition and treat accordingly.
- Doctor may prescribe to apply heat pad on child’s chest. This relieves chest pain. This symptom differentiates walking pneumonia from other respiratory illnesses.
- Medications are given to lower the temperature levels.
- Cough suppressant is given to lower the phlegm levels.
