Guide to walking pneumonia in children

Walking pneumonia is a milder form of pneumonia, usually caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae, that can cause discomfort and disrupt children’s routines. Understanding what it is, how it differs from regular pneumonia, and how to prevent it can help parents take the right steps to keep their kids healthy.

Walking pneumonia is a type of lung infection that comes on gradually and can mimic a cold. Dr. Todd Florin, an emergency medicine physician at Lurie Children’s, describes walking pneumonia as an illness that “typically affects school-aged children and adolescents, though it’s also being seen more in younger kids.”

The symptoms of walking pneumonia are generally mild, and children can often continue their daily activities. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent cough

• Mild fever

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Chest discomfort

• Sore throat

• Occasionally, a mild rash

For children under 5, symptoms may also include diarrhea, sneezing, a runny nose, vomiting and watery eyes, according to Dr. Florin.

While walking pneumonia and regular pneumonia both affect the lungs, they differ significantly in terms of severity and symptoms.

• Severity: Walking pneumonia causes mild symptoms, allowing children to stay active, whereas regular pneumonia can be severe and might require medical attention or hospitalization.

• Onset: Walking pneumonia develops gradually over several days or even weeks, while regular pneumonia tends to appear suddenly, often within a day or two.

• Causes: Walking pneumonia is usually caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, while regular pneumonia can result from viruses, bacteria, or fungi.

Dr. Florin explains that regular pneumonia often leads to more noticeable symptoms, such as high fever, shortness of breath, chest pain and rapid breathing.

Walking pneumonia is highly contagious. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes nearby. Children with walking pneumonia are usually contagious for two to four weeks, starting before symptoms appear and continuing until they resolve.

Walking pneumonia is typically diagnosed based on symptoms and doesn’t always require tests. Mild cases can be managed at home with plenty of fluids, fever control, and rest.

If symptoms worsen or persist, a doctor might recommend antibiotics. “More significant cases can take a few weeks to recover fully,” notes Dr. Florin.

Regular pneumonia may require chest X-rays or blood tests to confirm the diagnosis. Treatments range from supportive care for viral cases to antibiotics or hospitalization for bacterial cases.

Currently, there’s no vaccine for walking pneumonia, but parents can take steps to reduce the risk of it by:

• Practicing good hygiene: Teach kids to wash their hands often and cough or sneeze into their elbows to prevent spreading germs.

• Avoiding close contact: Keep sick children home from school or day care to protect others.

• Staying up to date on vaccines: Vaccines like the flu shot and pneumococcal vaccine can help prevent infections that might lead to pneumonia.

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular exercise and good sleep habits can strengthen the immune system. Avoid smoking near children and ensure good air quality at home.

If your child has symptoms of walking pneumonia or if their symptoms worsen, don’t hesitate to contact a health care provider. Rarely, walking pneumonia can lead to more serious complications, such as skin rashes or neurological problems. Prompt treatment can prevent these issues.

By staying informed and proactive, parents can help protect their children’s health and ensure quick recovery if walking pneumonia strikes. As Dr. Florin advises, “Awareness of symptoms and preventive measures can make a big difference in keeping kids healthy.”

• Children's health is a continuing series. This column was provided by Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.