Does Mycoplasma Cause Walking Pneumonia?

Posted on Tue, 22 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 22 Nov 2016 Answered on

Mon, 19 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My grandson is dx. with walking pneumonia. Usually Mycoplasma pneumoniae? This is the third time he has had it, seems he has no immunity to it. He is 14 years old, had Guionne Barre syndrome 2 years ago. Is this something he will be susceptible to all his life? Should he restrict sports to get proper rest, will that help? P.S. I was a Microbiologist-retired now-so I know about bacteria and viruses.

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Likely to grow out of it

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

Yes, mycoplasma is a common cause for walking pneumonia. Viral is also possible. Usually most common in first two decades of life.

He should be able to grow out of it after a few years. Meanwhile, I don't think restricting sports or other activity is desirable. It may not help in preventing recurrences.

He should be vaccinated against influenza and pneumococcus.

Hope this helps.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar