When to Seek Care for Walking Pneumonia and Whooping Cough Symptoms.

This article was written by Sarah Greenwood, Physician assistant at MedStar Health.

Respiratory illnesses are surging across the country, especially among school-aged children. The highest rise in cases involves walking pneumonia and whooping cough, which both often begin as a more mild illness that may develop into a persistent cough. 

At MedStar Health’s urgent care centers alone, pneumonia cases are up 356%. The data is even more staggering for certain age groups. We’ve seen a 2,000 percent increase in cases of pneumonia in the 10 to 17 year old age group. We’re also seeing five times as many patients with whooping cough than we did this time last year–consistent with reports from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). 

Though most cases do not require hospitalization, these viral illnesses can be especially dangerous for infants under 12 months, elderly adults, or individuals who have underlying health problems. That’s why it’s important to know when and where to seek care for walking pneumonia and whooping cough symptoms.

What is walking pneumonia (mycoplasma pneumonia)?

Walking pneumonia is a non-medical term used to describe more mild cases of pneumonia. Those infected often continue about their day-to-day activities, spreading the infection through their respiratory droplets. A common cause of this type of pneumonia is mycoplasma pneumoniae. 

Anyone can get walking pneumonia, although we’re seeing the most rise in cases in children and adolescents between 5 to 18. For many, symptoms are mild. The majority of people with walking pneumonia recover on their own, although antibiotics can help to speed up recovery. However, the illness can be more serious for the very young and very old, as well as those who have weakened immune systems or lung-related conditions.

Symptoms of walking pneumonia.

Walking pneumonia symptoms can come on gradually over the course of one to three weeks. For some, initial symptoms resemble the common cold but progress to a persistent, dry cough. Others with underlying medical conditions or weakened immune systems can experience more severe symptoms.

Most commonly, walking pneumonia signs include:

• Cough
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
  
  

What is whooping cough (pertussis), and who is at risk?

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is also a highly contagious respiratory infection. Like pneumonia or COVID-19, it spreads through droplets in the air after an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. A vaccine for whooping cough can help protect you from severe illness. However, the vaccine can wear off, which is why it’s important for adults to get their Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) booster every 10 years. Pregnant women and those in close contact with young babies may need to get an updated vaccine as well. It’s important to know that even if you’re vaccinated or you’ve had whooping cough before, it’s still possible to become reinfected. 

Whooping cough is most dangerous for babies under one year, as they haven’t been fully vaccinated yet against the disease and have underdeveloped immune systems. While mothers in their third trimester often receive the Tdap vaccine to convey some immunity to their babies, little ones under 12 months have the highest risk of hospitalization. As a result, anyone who cares for or is in close contact with an infant should get the Tdap vaccine, if they haven’t already.

Symptoms of whooping cough.

Similar to walking pneumonia, whooping cough often starts as a mild cold with some congestion. After one to two weeks, a cough intensifies and can even lead to a “whoop” sound when gasping for breath following a severe coughing spell. Coughing may be so violent that an infected person could vomit afterwards.

What should I do if my child is sick?

If you or your child has a fever that persists for more than three to five days or a cough longer than five to seven days, it’s a good idea to visit one of our convenient MedStar Health Urgent Care locations throughout the region. Our providers can help to accurately diagnose the cause of the cough, as other respiratory illnesses such as RSV or the flu are also possible. Antibiotics or supportive care can help to speed up recovery and reduce the risk of complications. We can also help you understand what respiratory distress looks like, so you know what to do if things get worse.

Treatment for walking pneumonia and whooping cough.

Both respiratory illnesses typically can be treated with antibiotics. There are several different kinds of antibiotics, and your doctor will prescribe one that is appropriate for your age group. They’ll also advise you on specific dosing and how long you should take your prescription. Be sure to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if you (or your child) feel better. 

You can also provide supportive care at home to help alleviate discomfort, including:

• Saline nasal sprays
• Cooling mist humidifier to keep passageways moist
• Honey as a natural cough suppressant for those over one year old
• Warm beverages
• Hot baths or showers

In severe cases, babies and other patients who have a high risk of complications may need to be hospitalized. This ensures we can monitor their breathing and hydration while they recover.

When to take your child to the ER.

Trouble breathing is the biggest warning sign that requires immediate treatment. Respiratory distress can sometimes be harder to spot in children and can quickly worsen. If you notice that your child is having difficulty breathing, it’s important to take them to the nearest emergency room. Signs of respiratory distress in children may include:

• Rapid breathing
• Nasal flaring
• A belly sucking in and out while breathing
• Retractions (when the muscles between the ribs or in the neck pull inward during breathing)

You should also seek immediate medical care if your child is lethargic or difficult to arouse, or dehydrated. Note that if your child is in diapers, fewer wet diapers may signal that they’re not getting enough fluid.

Adults with signs of respiratory distress should also seek emergency care at the nearest ER. If you get easily winded walking across the room and that’s abnormal for you, you should head to the ER. Severe chest pain or an altered mental state also warrants immediate attention.

Preventing respiratory illness.

You can’t always prevent sickness, but you may lower your risk or limit the spread of respiratory illness by:

• Consider wearing a mask in public, if you have symptoms
• Washing your hands frequently
• Coughing or sneezing into your elbow
• Following your doctor’s recommendations for when to send your child back to school

In addition, remember to keep your child up-to-date on immunizations, as the pertussis vaccine can protect them from serious complications related to whooping cough. It’s also important to get your Tdap booster shot, if it’s been ten years since your last one. 

Finally, know that we’re here for you when you need us. If you or your child are struggling with illness, our compassionate, experienced providers will recommend appropriate treatment to get you on your way to recovery.