Two of the biggest hotspots in pediatrics across the country this year: one is coughs and the other is mycoplasma pneumonia. What exactly is mycoplasma pneumonia?

To figure out Mycoplasma pneumonia, we first need to understand what Mycoplasma is. Mycoplasma is similar to bacteria and also has a cellular structure, but no cell wall.

Another difference between mycoplasma and bacteria is: size. It is somewhat smaller than bacteria, about 0.1 to 0.3 microns, and the smallest known bacteria is about 0.2 microns. Mycoplasma reproduces by dividing one into two and two into four, similar to bacteria.

 There are many different types of mycoplasma, and the main one that commonly causes infection in humans is Mycoplasma pneumonia. Mycoplasma pneumonia is generally transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets, and the incubation period can be as long as 23 days. Even if the human body has been infected with Mycoplasma pneumonia once, after a period of time the protective effect of the antibody decreases, there is a possibility of re-infection. Now our country has entered the fall, and summer and fall are the most common season for Mycoplasma pneumonia infection.

 So what are the symptoms of infection with Mycoplasma pneumonia? The clinical signs are usually: fever in 86%-96% of children, and a cough, usually dry, that may last for weeks to months in 85%-96% of children.

 What tests are usually done? Chest x-rays, blood tests for mycoplasma antibodies, etc. are usually done.

 How is Mycoplasma pneumonia treated if I am unfortunate enough to contract it? It is usually treated with azithromycin. Erythromycin can also be used, but the gastrointestinal reaction of erythromycin is generally greater, which may cause vomiting and abdominal pain. The best treatment plan should be made by a professional doctor according to the actual condition of the patient.

 Finally, although some children infected with mycoplasma pneumonia present serious cases, most are mild, as long as early prevention and targeted treatment, the child will recover as soon as possible!

    How to prevent it? We can see from the transmission pathway of mycoplasma, do to prevent droplets and other airborne transmission, can be very good prevention. Wearing masks when going out, washing hands frequently, opening windows at home to ventilate the house, using ultraviolet light to sterilize and disinfect properly, eating more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C, and exercising more to improve one's immunity are all simple and effective preventive measures.