[Medical Q&A] What treatments are needed if a child is infected with Mycoplasma pneumoniae?

Author: Niu Chao, deputy chief physician, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University

Reviewer: Luo Jian, deputy chief physician, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University

Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is self-limiting to a certain extent, and most children with the disease can recover without treatment. If the symptoms are not severe, oral antipyretic, antitussive, expectorant and other drugs can be used, and nebulization can be used to relieve the child's discomfort. If mycoplasma pneumonia is suspected, the cause should be identified as soon as possible. Early use of macrolide drugs such as azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin and roxithromycin can relieve children's discomfort and shorten the duration of illness. Parents need to note that penicillins (such as amoxicillin, flucloxacillin, etc.) or cephalosporins (such as cefaclor, cefixime, etc.) are ineffective against Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

The following situations indicate that mycoplasma pneumonia has worsened. Parents should take their children to see a doctor in time: ① Repeated fever for 5 to 7 days; ② Pale or cyanotic complexion, wheezing, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing; ③ Poor spirit and appetite; ④ No improvement after 5 to 7 days of macrolide treatment. Mycoplasma pneumonia should be treated in time when it worsens. Children who continue to have fever and no improvement after more than 14 days of onset may have sequelae.