The Rise of Mycoplasma Pneumonia in China: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Tips for Children

Jakarta –

The world was again shocked by the spike in pneumonia cases in China from October to November 2023. It is known that this pneumonia attacks many children, so the Chinese government has built special health facilities because cases continue to increase.

Gina Noor Djalilah, Lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, Muhammadiyah University of Surabaya (UM Surabaya) who is also a Pediatrician, explained that basically pneumonia can attack all ages. However, children and the elderly are vulnerable categories.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and Chinese authorities say one of the triggers for this pneumonia is mycoplasma or mycoplasma.

Mycoplasma is described as a bacteria that causes disease by damaging the lining of the respiratory system from the throat to the lungs.

In China, mycoplasma pneumonia has been detected and existed since dozens of years ago. There was quite a bit of research on pneumonia during that period.

However, at the end of 2023 cases will spike and the duration of illness will increase sharply. Especially for children, it is of special concern.

Symptoms of Mycoplasma Pneumonia in Children

Gina said children under 5 years of age have different symptoms from older children and adults when infected with mycoplasma pneumonia. They will experience various symptoms, such as”

Fever Shortness of breath Sneezing Stuffy or runny nose Sore throat Watery eyes Wheezing Vomiting Diarrhea

Mycoplasma Pneumonia Prevention Tips

For prevention issues, Gina follows various recommendations given by the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI), namely:

1. Give exclusive breast milk and adequate MPASI

Babies who are given adequate breast milk and MPASI intake will have natural protection in terms of nutrition. MPASI is recommended to be given from when the baby is 6 months old, while breast milk can be given until the age of 2 years.

2. Child immunization

Complete child immunizations. Complete immunization can be a tool to prevent pneumonia in children and other diseases.

3. Wash your hands with soap

Washing your hands regularly can protect children from various serious diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhea and even Covid-19. Washing hands is important because millions of bacteria and viruses from all the objects children hold can stick to their hands.

So, don’t forget to wash your little ones’ hands, especially after playing outside the house, detikers!

4. Wear a mask in public places

Masks are considered very effective in preventing the transmission of pneumonia caused by respiratory droplets. Correct use of masks is also necessary, especially when children are in public places.

5. Reduce air pollution

Air pollution can also be a risk factor for pneumonia in children. It is better to reduce air pollution in the house such as cigarette smoke.

“Don’t let your little one be exposed to air pollution, such as cigarette smoke, because it can damage his respiratory tract,” added Gina.

Furthermore, Gina said that children who live with smokers, even if they don’t do it directly in front of them, still have a risk of contracting the disease. Especially those related to the respiratory tract.

Gina added that parents and family members need to work together well to support health and prevent pneumonia.

“It can be seen that preventing this disease is quite easy, but it can be difficult if there is no good intention and cooperation between parents and other family members,” concluded Gina.

Watch the video “‘Mysterious’ pneumonia case in China, Ministry of Health asks health facilities to be ready”

(it/faz)

2023-12-03 10:30:00
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