Signs and Symptoms
Infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae are generally mild but sometimes can be severe. Once someone becomes infected with the bacteria, symptoms usually appear after 1 to 4 weeks. Symptoms can last for several weeks.
Symptoms depend on the type of infection.
Children who get Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection usually have signs of a chest cold
Tracheobronchitis
The most common type of infection is tracheobronchitis (chest cold).
Common symptoms of a chest cold include:
- Sore throat
- Feeling tired
- Fever
- Slowly worsening cough
- Headache
Pneumonia
Pneumonia (lung infection) can sometimes occur.
Common symptoms of pneumonia include:
- Fever and chills
- Cough
- Feeling tired
- Shortness of breath
People with pneumonia caused by M. pneumoniae can seem better than expected for someone with a lung infection. With mild symptoms taken to be a cold, they may not stay home or in bed. Thus, the phrase “walking pneumonia” was coined.
Symptoms in young children
Children younger than 5 years old who get M. pneumoniae infection could have symptoms that are different from older children and adults. Instead, they may have the following symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Watery eyes
- Wheezing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Call a healthcare provider if you or your child has difficulty breathing or symptoms that concern you.