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A mycoplasma infection occurs when bacteria affect the part of the body that helps with breathing (respiratory tract).

What are the causes?

This is caused by a bacterium called Mycoplasma. In children, this infection is usually caused by a type of mycoplasma called Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae).

The bacteria are passed to another person through droplets when a sick person sneezes or coughs. Most cases are spread when people stay close to each other, such as within a family or in a dorm.

What increases the risk?

Children who are exposed to other children in school or preschool are more likely to get this infection.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms are usually mild, but often stay for a long. Symptoms may include:

1. Fever.
2. Feeling tired (fatigue).
3. Cough or sore throat.
4. Wheezing or trouble breathing.
5. Poor appetite or vomiting.
6. Fussy behaviour.
7. Headache, chest, or stomach pain.
8. Rash.

How is this diagnosed?

Mycoplasma infection may be diagnosed based on:

1. Your child's symptoms.
2. A physical examination.

Your child may also have tests, including:

1. Imaging tests, such as an X-ray.
2. Using a device to check the amount of oxygen in the body (pulse oximeter).
3. Blood tests.
4. Testing of fluid from the nose or throat.

How is this treated?

Treatment for mycoplasma infection depends on how bad the symptoms are.

1. Mild symptoms may clear up without treatment.
2. Very bad symptoms may be treated with antibiotics.

Children with very bad symptoms may also need to stay in a hospital. In the hospital, they will be treated with:

1. Antibiotics.
2. Fluids given through an IV tube.
3. Oxygen to help with breathing.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

1. Give your child medicines only as instructed.
2. Give your child antibiotics as told. Do not stop giving the antibiotics even if your child starts to feel better.
3. Do not give your child aspirin. It can make your child very sick.

General instructions

To keep the infection from spreading to others:

1. Wash your hands and your child's hands often. Use soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitiser.
2. Teach your child how to cough or sneeze into a tissue or into their elbow.
3. Throw away all used tissues.
4. Give your child more fluids as instructed.
5. Put a humidifier in your child's bedroom. This will help ease congestion.
6. Have your child rest at home until their symptoms are gone.

Contact a healthcare provider if:

1. Your baby is younger than 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.
2. Your child is 3 months old or older and has a temperature of 39°C (102.2°F) or higher.
3. Your child has a fever, and they look or act sick in a way that worries you.

If you cannot reach the healthcare provider, go to an urgent care or emergency room.

Get help right away if:

1. Your child throws up every time they eat or drink.
2. Your child has trouble breathing, and it gets worse.
3. Your child has chest pain that gets worse.
4. Your child has blue lips or fingernails.

These symptoms may be an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Call your local emergency services right away.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.