It’s common for kids and teens to come home with a cough or cold, but what if that lingering cough is more than just a run-of-the-mill illness? Recently, doctors have noticed an increase in cases of walking pneumonia among children and teens.
While it sounds alarming, walking pneumonia is typically a mild illness that can be treated effectively with proper care. To help parents understand this condition, we’ve teamed up with Michael Blechner, MD, a pediatric pulmonologist at St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, to answer your most pressing questions.
What is Walking Pneumonia?
Walking pneumonia, also called atypical pneumonia, is a lung infection caused by bacteria, most commonly Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
“Walking pneumonia is like pneumonia’s milder cousin,” explains Dr. Blechner. “Unlike regular pneumonia, which often puts patients in bed, walking pneumonia allows kids to keep moving – hence the name. But don’t let that fool you – it still needs proper medical attention.”
Unlike the flu or a cold, which are caused by viruses, walking pneumonia is a bacterial infection, which means it can last longer and may require antibiotics.
Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia in Kids
The symptoms of walking pneumonia can sometimes be tricky to spot. “Walking pneumonia often starts like a common cold,” says Dr. Blechner. “You might see a runny nose, a sore throat, or a mild fever.”
However, there are a few signs that set walking pneumonia apart:
- A persistent cough: The cough may linger for weeks, even after other symptoms improve.
- Chest discomfort: Some kids may feel tightness in their chest or mild pain when breathing deeply.
- Fatigue: Children with walking pneumonia might feel more tired than usual, even if they’re not running a fever.
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing: In some cases, kids may have trouble catching their breath.
“It’s important to note that not every child will have all these symptoms,” Dr. Blechner adds. “If symptoms stick around for weeks instead of days, or if your child seems unusually tired, it’s worth checking with your doctor.”
Why Are We Seeing More Cases?
Walking pneumonia tends to spread in close-contact environments like schools, sports teams, or daycare centers. “As kids returned to classrooms and group activities after COVID-19 lockdowns, we’ve seen an increase in respiratory illnesses,” Dr. Blechner shares. “Walking pneumonia is no exception. It’s highly contagious and spreads through coughing, sneezing, or sharing items like water bottles.”
How Can I Reduce the Risk of Walking Pneumonia?
Good news! There are simple ways to lower the risk of walking pneumonia:
- Wash hands or use hand sanitizer often “Hand washing is still one of our best defenses,” reminds Dr. Blechner. “Make it fun for younger kids by singing a favorite song while they wash.”
- Get enough sleep Kids need different amounts of sleep based on their age:
- School-age children: 9-11 hours
- Teenagers: 8-10 hours
- Eat healthy foods. A balanced diet helps keep the immune system strong. Think colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Stay active. Regular exercise helps keep lungs healthy and strong.
When to Call the Doctor
If your child’s symptoms seem mild, you might not need to visit the doctor right away. However, Dr. Blechner suggests making an appointment if:
- Your child’s cough lasts more than 10 days.
- They have a fever that won’t go away.
- They’re unusually tired or irritable.
- They have trouble breathing or their lips look bluish.
These are signs that the infection might be more serious and needs medical attention.
“At St. Joseph’s Health, we understand that any illness in your child can be worrying,” says Dr. Blechner. “That’s why we’re here to help families navigate through these health challenges with expert care and support.”
How Do Doctors Test for and Treat Walking Pneumonia?
Doctors typically diagnose walking pneumonia by listening to your child’s lungs and reviewing their symptoms. “Sometimes, we might recommend a chest X-ray if the symptoms are severe or don’t improve,” Dr. Blechner explains. “The X-ray can help us see if there’s any inflammation or fluid in the lungs.”
The good news is that walking pneumonia is treatable. For most children, doctors will prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection. “Antibiotics like azithromycin or doxycycline are commonly used,” says Dr. Blechner. “Most kids start feeling better within a few days of starting medication.”
In addition to antibiotics, parents can help their child recover by:
- Encouraging rest: Kids need extra sleep to help their bodies fight off the infection.
- Keeping them hydrated: Fluids like water, tea, or soup can soothe a sore throat and keep mucus thin.
- Using a humidifier: Moist air can ease coughing and make breathing more comfortable.
“Remember, even after starting treatment, the cough might linger for a few weeks,” Dr. Blechner explains. “That’s normal and usually doesn’t mean the infection is still present.”
Can You Prevent Walking Pneumonia?
Preventing walking pneumonia starts with good hygiene habits. Teach your kids to:
- Wash their hands frequently with soap and water.
- Cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid sharing drinks, utensils, or personal items.
“If your child is sick, it’s best to keep them home from school or activities to prevent spreading the infection,” Dr. Blechner says.
Walking pneumonia may be on the rise, but it doesn’t have to be a major concern if caught and treated early. “The key is to stay alert to your child’s symptoms and seek medical care when needed,” says Dr. Blechner. “With the right treatment, most kids recover quickly and fully.”
If you’re concerned about your child’s symptoms or have questions about walking pneumonia, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced pediatric specialists at St. Joseph’s Health. We’re here to help your family stay healthy and strong.
