Question
The little boy was born prematurely and may have a weak body due to that. He often has a high fever. He’s been having a high fever recently, with a lot of phlegm in his throat, unable to eat anything, and feeling difficulty breathing. The medicine he took didn’t improve his condition. After a thorough check-up at the hospital, it was said to be mycoplasma pneumonia. I want to ask: What are the symptoms of mycoplasma pneumonia? How is it treated?
Answer
Mycoplasma pneumonia typically manifests as tracheobronchitis, pneumonia, and otitis media, with pneumonia being the most severe form. In the initial stages, symptoms may include fatigue, headache, sore throat, chills, fever, muscle aches, decreased appetite, nausea, and vomiting, with headache being particularly prominent. The fever can vary in intensity, sometimes reaching up to 39°C. After 2 to 3 days, distinct respiratory symptoms may appear, such as paroxysmal stimulating coughing with small amounts of mucous or purulent sputum, sometimes with blood in the sputum. The fever can last for 2 to 3 weeks. Treatment for mycoplasma pneumonia involves respiratory isolation, rest, and providing adequate water and nutrition. Symptomatic treatment should avoid using salicylate drugs to prevent hemolysis.