What are the symptoms of mycoplasma infection in children?

Oct 20, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

Mycoplasma infection often causes respiratory inflammation, leading to a persistent dry cough. The cough may be mild at first but gradually worsens, sometimes affecting children's normal rest and daily activities. The cough may be more pronounced at night or in the morning, and in some children, it can persist for weeks or even months, known as post-mycoplasma infection cough. Mycoplasma infection may also cause ocular blood vessel dilation.

Under normal circumstances, symptoms of Mycoplasma infection in children include coughing, red and swollen eyes, fever, rapid breathing, diarrhea, etc. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Cough

Mycoplasma infection often causes respiratory inflammation, leading to a persistent dry cough. The cough may initially be mild but gradually worsens over time, sometimes affecting the child's normal rest and daily activities. The cough may become more pronounced at night or in the early morning. In some children, the cough may persist for several weeks or even months, known as post-infectious Mycoplasma cough.

2. Red and Swollen Eyes

Mycoplasma infection may also cause dilation of blood vessels in the eyes, resulting in redness and swelling. Besides redness, children may experience itchy, painful, or burning sensations in the eyes. Some may feel like there is a foreign body in the eye and may have increased eye discharge. If not treated promptly, Mycoplasma infection can lead to serious complications such as conjunctivitis or keratitis.

3. Fever

Mycoplasma infection can cause fever, with body temperature rising above 38°C. During fever, children may also experience systemic symptoms such as headache, fatigue, and muscle aches.

4. Rapid Breathing

Mycoplasma infection may trigger inflammatory responses in the lungs, causing breathing difficulties and rapid breathing in children. Rapid breathing may be related to poor air circulation, rhinitis, inflammatory irritation, mucus blockage, or laryngeal edema.

5. Diarrhea

Mycoplasma infection may induce gastrointestinal inflammation, leading to diarrhea in children. Diarrhea may be accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, it may result in dehydration.

Parents are advised to follow medical guidance and administer medications such as azithromycin tablets, amoxicillin capsules, or cefixime tablets to treat the infection. Additionally, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, a positive mindset, and undergoing regular physical examinations and screenings can help prevent Mycoplasma infections.

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What should I do if a six-month-old baby has a fever of 39.5°C?

For a six-month-old infant with a fever of 39.5°C, treatment approaches may generally be selected based on different causes. Common causes include bacterial infection, viral infection, and mycoplasma infection. Additionally, treatment should be administered under a doctor's guidance along with fever-reducing medications. Commonly used medications include acetaminophen oral liquid, ibuprofen suspension, and ibuprofen granules.

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What are the symptoms of mycoplasma and chlamydia infections?

In general, symptoms of mycoplasma infection include coughing, phlegm production, sore throat, nasal congestion and runny nose, and difficulty breathing. Symptoms of chlamydia infection include fever and chills, coughing, headache and muscle pain, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. If symptoms of mycoplasma or chlamydia infection occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical examination and diagnosis at a hospital and to follow the guidance of a physician for treatment, which will help the body recover more quickly.