Temperatures are decreasing, and the incidence of various respiratory diseases is, on the contrary, increasing. This includes so-called walking pneumonia, a relatively mild form of pneumonia that has been occurring unusually frequently in young children this year.
Although pneumonia can be caused by dozens of different pathogens, walking pneumonia is most commonly caused by a bacterium called. mycoplasma pneumonia. Traditional pneumonia may require hospitalization. However, walking pneumonia can sometimes feel like a bad cold, and it may not be serious enough to require you to stay home. Experts are particularly concerned about infectious diseases this year, as they appear to be more prevalent among young children than usual. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in October, about 7 percent of children and adolescents between the ages of 2 and 17 visited emergency departments for pneumonia-related illnesses. pneumococcus infection. percentage of pneumococcus Cases increased between March and October, and the rate of increase was higher in children aged 2 to 4 years than in older children. This is particularly surprising since the highest infection rates have traditionally been among children aged 5 to 17.
scientific american We spoke to Eberechi Nwaobasi-Iwu, a pediatric hospitalist at Atlantic Health System’s Morristown Medical Center and Overlook Medical Center in New Jersey, about the trends in walking pneumonia and what parents need to know. I heard the story.
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(An edited transcript of the interview follows:)
What is walking pneumonia?
The reason it’s called walking pneumonia is because you can contract the following symptoms: mycoplasma Pneumonia then develops, and even if pneumonia occurs, there are no typical symptoms. You may feel a little tired, have a fever, and have a cough, but you usually don’t feel as sick as you would expect from pneumonia. However, recently we have been receiving children who are quite unwell.
How would you characterize the incidence of walking pneumonia this year compared to previous years?
It is usually seen in school-age children, adolescents, and young adults, but this year it has also been seen in very young children and infants. You may have symptoms, or you may simply be infected while wiping out microorganisms along with other illnesses. We are seeing it being widely distributed across more age groups than normal.
Are there more people infected this year than usual, or is it just an abnormal age group?
Oh, there are definitely more cases. In my experience, the number of cases that typically occur during this time probably increases by a factor of 2-3.
Do you have any theories about what is causing the age change, where more young children are getting sick?
Since COVID-19, all regular seasonal fluctuations caused by viruses and bacteria no longer follow the same pattern as before. It is possible that some degree of weakened immunity has occurred. Alternatively, it may be caused by a more virulent strain of bacteria that is slightly more contagious than usual. However, I think it’s a little difficult to say what exactly is driving age change.
Some viruses are transient, causing an increase in the number of people infected every five to seven years. mycoplasma Bacteria also sometimes follow this pattern, so this may just be a typical increase that would be expected overall historically.
In what seasons does walking pneumonia generally occur?
Usually seen in the fall and winter, cases started to increase slightly in August and have continued to do so. Several sightings were also seen from early summer to late spring. mycoplasma, But it was manifesting itself differently.
How do experts diagnose walking pneumonia?
The only way to accurately track is to get tested, but not all pediatricians or clinics have testing available. Many doctors will examine the patient and be able to say, “This is probably the cause,” based on the symptoms, how long they’ve been sick, and if they’ve taken other antibiotics beforehand and haven’t seen improvement. . Mycoplasma; I’m just going to treat you (for that). ”
What are the symptoms of walking pneumonia?
Respiratory symptoms, such as a sore throat, are often present, but nasal congestion is less common. But now, many children are suffering from rhinorrhea, which causes stuffy nose, runny nose, sore throat, chest pain, fatigue, and loss of appetite. As it progresses, it can lead to breathing difficulties. This is usually similar to the symptoms of a cold; it doesn’t actually get better and can progress or get worse. For most colds, symptoms usually last 5 to 7 days, then get better or worse. If your symptoms persist after about 5 to 7 days, or if they get worse after that period, it is definitely important to seek medical attention.
mycoplasma It can also cause inflammation in the lining around the brain. Encephalitis (swelling of the brain) may occur. Mucositis (swelling of the mucous membranes lining the mouth and intestinal tract) and rashes may also occur, which may include sores in the mouth and lips, and redness and sores on the skin and around the eyes. .
What should parents watch out for and when should they call the doctor?
If your child is feeling unwell with respiratory symptoms, fever, not eating well, not urinating well, or simply has cold symptoms that last for a long time and don’t get better after 5 to 7 days. That’s dangerous. Why call your pediatrician to get tested? Even before those 5 to 7 days have passed, if your child gets so bad that he can’t eat or drink, doesn’t act like himself, or struggles to breathe, that’s all. You will also be instructed to call your pediatrician.
What treatments are available for walking pneumonia?
usually, mycoplasma It is treated with an antibiotic called azithromycin or Z-pack (Zithromax). Most people’s symptoms improve after about 5 days of treatment. In very rare cases, additional antibiotics may be given if symptoms do not improve.
Additionally, you’ll be better able to overcome any illness if you stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. When you’re dehydrated and tired, your immune system’s resistance decreases. So if you start to feel sick, getting more rest, staying hydrated, and eating as much as you can to stay nourished will all definitely help.
Is there a way to avoid infection in the first place?
If you’re really worried or plan on going to a crowded place, definitely wear a mask. Hand washing has always been one of the best, most effective and consistent ways to prevent infection. Avoid touching your face when you are out and about. This is usually one of the most direct causes of illness. And most importantly, if you are sick or unwell, you should go out and avoid infecting others.
How long should we expect walking pneumonia to be prevalent?
It’s hard to say. Most respiratory illnesses begin to increase around late September or October, increase during the winter, and typically begin to decline around early to mid-March. The same thing is very likely to happen mycoplasma As seen with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and other respiratory diseases.
What will you be watching over the next few weeks?
Currently, some sick children are being seen in the hospital, but many are receiving outpatient treatment and recovering. I think if you start seeing high numbers consistently, that’s a bit of a concern. But again, mycoplasma For most people, the disease is fairly self-limiting. Once you start on the appropriate antibiotics, you will get better fairly quickly. As long as we still see that pattern, I think we’ll be fine.
What do you want people to know about walking pneumonia?
This is a very well-known bacterium that causes illness in children and adults, and there are good treatments. Be aware of that, and if your child is sick and doesn’t get better, have your child clinically diagnosed by a pediatrician. However, in most cases, most children get better, even without treatment. So I don’t think you need to worry too much.
