BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Emergency room physicians at Baton Rouge General Hospital are observing an alarming trend: more children are being admitted with symptoms that may appear mild but are actually indicative of more severe health issues.
Dr. Thomas Jeider shared insights on this concerning development, noting, “A lot of them are coming in with viral symptoms, cough, congestion, but then some of them are getting a little sicker and after a couple more weeks, they’re coming in and that’s when we’re seeing walking pneumonia.” This suggests that initial symptoms can be deceivingly benign, leading parents to underestimate their child’s health condition.
Dr. Jeider pointed out that the occurrence of walking pneumonia during this season is quite unusual, signaling a potential public health concern. “Sometimes patients will just act a little more sick, they’ll have a fever that lingers longer, more shortness of breath, just symptoms that last a little bit longer than you would expect a normal virus,” he elaborated. This highlights the importance of vigilance among caregivers.
It’s not just here in Baton Rouge; this situation is reflecting a larger trend across the nation. Since April, the CDC has reported a staggering 700% increase in emergency room visits among children under the age of five due to walking pneumonia. The progression typically starts with what appears to be a common cold, yet Dr. Jeider emphasizes the critical need for parents to seek medical advice if their children’s symptoms linger beyond a reasonable timeframe.
“After a couple of days or a week or so of viral symptoms, you should get better,” said Jeider. “Now, if your symptoms are lasting a little bit longer like two or three weeks that’s when you should probably get checked out.” This guidance underscores the necessity for parents to be proactive in monitoring their child’s health.
To prevent these symptoms from worsening, Dr. Jeider recommends ensuring children get adequate rest, remain hydrated, practice good hand hygiene, and wear masks when necessary. While over-the-counter cough or cold medications can provide some relief, it may become essential for healthcare providers to prescribe antibiotics to effectively eliminate walking pneumonia.
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**Interview with Dr. Thomas Jeider on the Rise of Walking Pneumonia in Children**
**Host:** Welcome, Dr. Jeider, and thank you for joining us today. We’re hearing reports of an unusual rise in walking pneumonia cases, particularly among young children. Can you explain what walking pneumonia is and why we’re seeing this increase?
**Dr. Jeider:** Thank you for having me. Walking pneumonia, which is commonly caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae, often presents with symptoms that appear mild at first—like a cough and congestion. Unfortunately, as we’ve seen this season, many children initially show these viral symptoms but can deteriorate into more serious illness.
**Host:** That sounds concerning. You mentioned that parents may underestimate the severity of their children’s symptoms. What advice would you give to them?
**Dr. Jeider:** Absolutely. If a child presents with respiratory symptoms that persist or worsen over a week, accompanied by fever or increased fatigue, it’s essential to seek medical attention. Early intervention can make a significant difference in outcomes.
**Host:** Are there specific signs that should prompt parents to take their child to the emergency room?
**Dr. Jeider:** Yes, look out for a persistent cough that doesn’t improve, difficulty breathing, high fever, or severe fatigue. If a child seems to be getting sicker rather than better, do not wait—bring them in for evaluation.
**Host:** This rise in cases is unusual for this time of year. What could be contributing to this increase in walking pneumonia cases among children?
**Dr. Jeider:** There are several factors at play, including changes in viral patterns and community interactions post-pandemic. Children may have had decreased exposure to certain pathogens, and now, as they return to regular social activities, their immune systems are responding in unexpected ways.
**Host:** Thank you for that insight, Dr. Jeider. What can parents do to protect their children during this time?
**Dr. Jeider:** Maintaining good hygiene practices, such as frequent hand washing, and keeping children up-to-date with vaccinations can help reduce the risk of infections. It’s also important to encourage a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and adequate sleep.
**Host:** Thank you so much for your time and valuable information today, Dr. Jeider. It’s essential for parents to stay informed and vigilant.
**Dr. Jeider:** Thank you for having me. It’s always a pleasure to share information that can help keep our children healthy.
