Is Your Child’s Lingering Cough Actually Walking Pneumonia?

It started with what seemed like a run-of-the-mill cold. My three-year-old had a cough that wouldn’t go away, a fever that barely counted as one, and he stopped sleeping through the night. As a pediatrician, I’ve seen countless kids with these symptoms, and I was confident it would run its course. But when his energy remained low, and the cough persisted well beyond a week without showing signs of improvement, my instincts told me to take a closer look. A chest X-ray, a nasal swab, and a discussion with his doctor later, we had our diagnosis: walking pneumonia.

As both a mom and a pediatrician, my son’s illness reminded me of how tricky walking pneumonia can be. It’s sneaky, often presenting like a mild respiratory illness, but capable of lingering and complicating recovery if untreated. While I’ve encountered it in the clinic countless times, seeing it in my own child drove home the importance of knowing the signs.

What is Walking Pneumonia?

Walking pneumonia is a less severe form of pneumonia caused by a bacterium called Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Unlike more severe cases of pneumonia, children with walking pneumonia are usually well enough to “walk around” and go about their day, hence the name. Despite this, it can still significantly impact a child’s overall well-being.

The condition typically spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making it more common in school-age children in close contact with others.

What Are the Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia in Kids?

Walking pneumonia doesn’t always hit hard and fast. The symptoms can develop gradually, often starting with mild cold-like symptoms. Here’s what parents should be on the lookout for:

Persistent cough: This is usually, but not always, dry and can linger for weeks without signs of improvement.

Low-grade fever: Often mild compared to more severe types of bacterial pneumonia.

Fatigue: Children may seem more tired than usual, and their sleep patterns can be disrupted.

Mild sore throat or headache: These can accompany and be related to the persistent cough.

Chest discomfort: Some children may describe mild pain or tightness in their chest.

Wheezing or difficulty breathing: Though rare, these symptoms may sometimes appear and require prompt medical attention.

A lack of marked congestion and runny nose: This is tricky, as runny noses are common throughout the cold season. However, children with pneumonia often lack the runny nose and congestion accompanying viral illnesses.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention For Walking Pneumonia?

As with many medical issues, timely medical care is vital in preventing complications from walking pneumonia. You should see your pediatrician if:

Your child develops difficulty breathing: Any signs of labored breathing or wheezing warrant immediate attention.

There’s a persistent fever or worsening symptoms: A fever that spikes days into an illness that appeared to be improving, a fever that is present longer than three days, or symptoms that suddenly worsen are all red flags that should prompt you to call your pediatrician.

Your child’s cough and fatigue persist beyond a week: Coughs can linger for days to weeks when children are recovering from the common cold, but they should slowly show signs of getting better and not be accompanied by persistent fatigue.

Something doesn’t feel right: Parents know their children best. If something about your child’s symptoms or behavior seems out of the norm for what you would expect, go ahead and call your doctor.

How Is Walking Pneumonia Diagnosed and Treated?

Diagnosing walking pneumonia often starts with a physical exam and a discussion about your child’s symptoms. In some cases, a chest X-ray or a nasal swab may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment typically involves a course of antibiotics, as Mycoplasma pneumonia is a bacterial infection. The most commonly prescribed are macrolides, such as azithromycin, which are effective and generally well-tolerated by children.

In addition to antibiotics, you can support your child’s recovery with plenty of rest, hydration, and a nutritious diet. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage fever or discomfort. Remember always to consult your pediatrician to ensure you have the correct dose for your child’s weight.

How Soon Do Kids Recover?

With prompt treatment, most children begin to feel better within a couple of days. Although the cough may linger longer than that, it, too, should show signs of improvement. Children can return to school or daycares when they’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.

Walking pneumonia, though mild compared to other forms of pneumonia, can still disrupt a child’s routine and leave parents worried. As a pediatrician, I encourage parents to trust their instincts and seek care when something feels off. As a mom, I’m reminded that even the healthiest kids can get sick—and that with the proper care, they’ll return to their playful selves in no time.

Before you go, shop our favorite products to relieve kids’ colds:

This article was originally published on sheknows.com.