What are the symptoms of mycoplasma pneumonia?

　　Mycoplasma pneumonia is an acute respiratory disease caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. It is highly prevalent among children, adolescents and adults with weak constitutions, especially in winter and spring. It is highly contagious and can be spread through droplets or close contact. The initial symptoms are similar to those of a common cold and are easily ignored. However, if timely intervention is not performed, it may aggravate lung inflammation and affect respiratory function. Understanding its typical symptoms, standardized treatment and scientific care are important for rapid recovery.

Mycoplasma pneumonia symptoms

　　1. Core cough symptoms

　　The first symptom is an irritating dry cough, with no phlegm or a small amount of white phlegm in the early stage. As the disease progresses, the cough gradually intensifies and presents as intractable paroxysmal attacks, which are more obvious at night, in the morning or after activities. Some patients have a cough that can last for 2-4 weeks. In severe cases, it affects sleep and eating, and even causes chest pain.

　　2. Fever-related manifestations

　　Most of them are moderate to low fever, with body temperature between 37.5-38.5℃, lasting for 1-3 weeks. A few patients may develop high fever (above 39℃)； Fever is often accompanied by fatigue, headache, and muscle aches. Children may be irritable, crying, and listless due to fever.

　　3. Respiratory symptoms

　　Severe coughing may cause sore throat, dry throat, and foreign body sensation in the throat. Some patients are accompanied by symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection such as nasal congestion and runny nose.； After the disease progresses, lung inflammation worsens, and chest tightness, shortness of breath, and rapid breathing may occur. Hypoxia becomes more obvious after activity.

　　4. Special symptoms in children

　　Symptoms in children are more typical. In addition to severe coughing, they may have wheezing and dyspnea. In severe cases, nose flaring and three concave signs may be seen.； Some young children will also have gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, and may easily cause convulsions due to high fever, so they need to be vigilant.

　　5. Symptoms related to complications

　　If the infection is not controlled, it may cause pleural effusion, manifesting as chest pain and worsening dyspnea.； A small number of patients will develop extrapulmonary complications, such as otitis media (ear pain, tinnitus), myocarditis (palpitation, fatigue), rash, etc., indicating that the disease has affected other organs.

Mycoplasma pneumonia treatment and daily care

　　1. Targeted anti-infective treatment

　　The preferred macrolide antibiotics, such as azithromycin and erythromycin, are administered according to body weight for adults, and the course of treatment is 5-7 days. Children need to adjust the dose according to age and weight, and avoid increasing or decreasing the dose without authorization.； For those who are allergic to macrolides, quinolones can be used (disabled under 18 years of age) to ensure that the drug covers the pathogen.

　　2. Symptomatic and supportive treatment

　　When dry cough is severe and affects rest, antitussives such as dextromethorphan can be used； For those with excessive phlegm, expectorants such as ambroxol should be used first to help discharge sputum and avoid blind combination of antitussives and expectorants. ； When the fever exceeds 38.5°C, take ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce the fever and combine it with physical cooling.

　　3. Daily care points

　　Ensure adequate sleep, reduce activity, and avoid fatigue； Drink 1500-2000 ml of water every day to keep your respiratory tract moist ； The diet should be mainly light, easy-to-digest liquid or semi-liquid foods, supplement protein and vitamins, and avoid spicy, greasy, and overly sweet foods.

　　4. Protection and review precautions

　　Isolate at home during treatment and avoid going to crowded places to prevent cross-infection； Ventilate the room twice a day for 15-20 minutes each time to maintain air circulation ； If the symptoms persist for 1 week without improvement or worsening, chest X-rays and routine blood tests need to be reviewed in a timely manner, and the treatment plan should be adjusted to avoid delaying the condition.

　　Although the initial symptoms of mycoplasma pneumonia are atypical, they can be initially identified based on the core manifestations of "stubborn dry cough + long-term fever". The key is early detection and early treatment. Treatment focuses on targeted anti-infection, combined with symptomatic care. Most patients can recover in 1-2 weeks, and the prognosis is good. Pay attention to personal protection every day, wash hands frequently, wear masks, strengthen physical fitness, and reduce the risk of infection ； If suspected symptoms occur, do not self-medicate. See a doctor promptly for a clear diagnosis to avoid developing severe pneumonia and protect respiratory health.