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Recently, respiratory tract disorders in children have increased, known as Mycoplasma pneumonia. This is a disease whose main cause is the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
This bacteria can cause a disease known as pneumoniae or pneumonia. In children, this infection can be a serious problem, therefore, it is important to understand its causes, symptoms, and treatment.
The age most at risk for Mycoplasma pneumonia
Mycoplasma pneumoniae can affect children of any age range, but tends to be more common in older children, especially those between the ages of 5 and 15 years. However, this infection is not limited to this age range and can also affect younger children or even babies.
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Causes of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae in Children
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that has the unique property of not having a bacterial cell wall. Because of this, they cannot be destroyed by antibiotics commonly used to treat other bacterial infections. This bacteria spreads through air droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Preschool and school-aged children are more susceptible to these infections, as their immune systems are still developing. In addition, social interactions at school or playgrounds can increase the risk of transmission.
Symptoms of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae in Children
Symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in children can vary, ranging from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:
Dry Cough: A cough that can get worse and not respond to regular cough treatments. Fever: The child may have a high fever, sometimes accompanied by chills. Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing may occur, especially in more severe conditions. Chest Pain: The child may complain of pain in the chest, especially when breathing or coughing. Apart from that, children can also experience symptoms such as sore throat, fatigue, headaches and nausea.
This Mycoplasma infection is mild compared to other germs, so sufferers are often said to be experiencing walking pneumonia, meaning that even though they have pneumonia they can still walk around.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in children is generally done through physical examination, medical history, as well as blood tests and sputum tests. The doctor may also perform other tests such as a chest X-ray to see the condition of the lungs.
Blood tests can help in diagnosing Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. This test can measure the number of white blood cells that may increase in response to infection. In addition, blood tests can also include testing to see the presence of antibodies to the Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria.
In some cases, the doctor may ask the child to cough up phlegm or sputum from their lungs. This sample will then be analyzed in the laboratory to detect the presence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria.
Doctors may also order additional tests such as serology tests or PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) tests to detect bacteria directly. The PCR test can be more sensitive and specific in detecting DNA or genetic material from Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
The doctor can refer the child to undergo radiological examinations such as chest x-rays. This can help doctors spot changes in the lungs that could be related to infection, although x-rays are often not specific for Mycoplasma pneumoniae. The x-ray appearance of Mycoplasma often shows a discongruence with the patient’s clinical condition, namely that the x-ray shows severe spots, but the child is still carrying out normal activities.
Medical Management
Check out the treatment for children affected by Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria below:
Antibiotics:
Macrolides: Such as azithromycin, clarithromycin, or erythromycin. It is usually the main choice for treating Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in children.
Symptomatic Medications: Antipyretics: Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used to reduce fever and reduce discomfort. Cough Medication: Doctors can prescribe cough medicine to help relieve a cough that is strong or disturbs your child’s sleep.
Non-Medical Management:
Following are the details of the treatment:
Rest and fluid intake: Make sure the child gets enough rest to help his body fight infection. Give plenty of fluids, such as water or juice, to prevent dehydration. Self-care: Teach children to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Make sure children wash their hands regularly to prevent the spread of infection. Additional care and follow-up examinations: If the child has severe symptoms or does not respond to treatment, the doctor may require further examinations or hospital treatment. Follow-Up: It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding treatment and have follow-up visits as scheduled to ensure a good recovery. Prevention of Spread: The child should remain at home until his symptoms improve and he is no longer spreading the infection to others.
Prevention and Treatment
To prevent Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in children, it is important to teach good habits such as washing hands regularly, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and maintaining physical distance from people who are sick.
For children who have been infected, adequate rest, adequate fluid intake, and consumption of nutritious foods are important for optimal recovery. It is also important to follow the doctor’s instructions regarding treatment and keep the child at home until they have fully recovered to prevent spreading the infection to others.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in children can be a serious problem, but with proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most children recover completely. It is important for parents to pay attention to symptoms of respiratory tract infections in children and immediately contact a doctor if they suspect Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. Prevention through hygiene and attention to proper care are also key to reducing the risk of transmission and ensuring a speedy recovery for infected children.
(rap/rap)