What are the symptoms of a cough caused by mycoplasma?

Mycoplasma: A Cellular Microorganism and Its Impact on Human Health

Mycoplasma, a cellular microorganism, can cause various symptoms in humans upon infection, including cough. Mycoplasma pneumoniae, specifically, is often the culprit behind mycoplasma-induced coughs. This virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets, particularly prevalent during autumn and winter. Common symptoms among patients include sneezing, coughing, and more. As for the causes of mycoplasma infections in children, Mycoplasma pneumoniae leads to pneumonia, while Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Mycoplasma genitalium primarily affect the urogenital tract.

1. Mycoplasma Pneumoniae

A pathogenic microorganism whose size falls between bacteria and viruses, Mycoplasma pneumoniae spreads primarily through respiratory droplets. It can cause illness throughout the year but is more common in autumn and winter. Also known as primary atypical pneumonia, Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia can occur year-round, with a higher incidence in winter and occasional outbreaks. It's a common pneumonia among preschool children and young adults, transmitted mainly through droplets. Healthy children can contract the infection by inhaling respiratory secretions from coughing or sneezing patients. The incubation period can be lengthy, up to 2-3 weeks. Despite its prolonged course, severe lung involvement, and slow inflammatory absorption, Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia generally has a favorable prognosis with few complications.

2. Mycoplasma Genitalium

Mycoplasma genitalium infection is a sexually transmitted disease newly recognized in recent years. Newborns can contract it during childbirth through their mother's genital tract, primarily causing conjunctivitis and pneumonia.

Symptoms of Mycoplasma Infections in Children

Upon entering a child's body, Mycoplasma pneumoniae does not immediately manifest symptoms, which typically appear after an incubation period of about 2-3 weeks. Children may experience fever, headache, chills, cough, fatigue, malaise, and loss of appetite.

1. Cough

Initially, children may have a dry cough with little mucus. This gradually progresses to a persistent, severe cough accompanied by a small amount of mucoid sputum, particularly severe at night, resembling whooping cough. Infants and young children may exhibit wheezing and dyspnea. Approximately 3%-10% of cases may develop into Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. Some children may not have prominent coughing but present with high fever, chills, and sore throat.

2. Involvement of Other Organs

Mycoplasma pneumoniae can also affect other systems and organs, causing symptoms such as measles-like rash, myalgia, migratory joint pain, liver dysfunction, hemolytic anemia, meningoencephalitis, myocarditis, pericarditis, and nephritis.