Q: My 7-year-old had Mycoplasma in September and now complains of difficulty breathing. Should we get an X-ray?
Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD
Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD
This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
Question:
Hello doctor! For the past few days, my 7-year-old child has been complaining that it is hard to breathe. My child had a Mycoplasma infection in September, and a little bit of phlegm has remained since then. Recently, they started having a wet cough with phlegm sounds. Are these lingering aftereffects? Is the breathing difficulty due to the phlegm, psychological reasons, or could it be related to rhinitis? Is it okay to just observe them at home, or should we go to a pediatric clinic to get a chest X-ray?
Answer:
I understand it is very concerning when your child continues to have phlegm after a Mycoplasma infection and now complains of difficulty breathing.
🚨 Check for these signs immediately:
If you notice any of the following symptoms, your child needs to be evaluated at a pediatric clinic or emergency room today:
Pale or bluish lips and fingernails.
Chest retractions (the skin pulling in under the ribs or at the base of the neck with each breath).
Speaking in broken sentences or breathing faster than usual (over 40 breaths per minute for a 7-year-old).
Wheezing, stridor (a high-pitched whistling sound), or grunting noises.
Inability to lie flat, preferring to sit up just to breathe comfortably.
Unusual lethargy or abnormally slow responses.
✅ If the above signs are absent and daily life, sleep, and eating are normal:
After a Mycoplasma infection, airway hyperreactivity can persist for weeks to months. If this is combined with rhinitis, postnasal drip, or acid reflux, children may complain of a "stuffy" or restricted feeling when breathing.
What you can do at home right now:
Perform nasal saline washes 2 to 3 times a day.
Maintain indoor humidity between 40-60%.
Encourage plenty of fluid intake to help thin out the mucus.
Stop food intake 2 to 3 hours before bedtime (in case acid reflux is a contributing factor).
Keep a symptom diary: Note exactly when and under what circumstances they say they can't breathe, their coughing patterns, and whether their sleep is disturbed.
When to seek same-day medical evaluation:
Any of the emergency respiratory signs (🚨) listed above appear.
Fever returns, or the phlegm becomes darker, thicker, or blood-tinged.
Coughing prevents them from sleeping at night or limits their daytime activities.
There is weight loss or a sudden, severe drop in appetite.
For now, try the home care tips mentioned above and keep a symptom diary for 2 to 3 days. Then, consult your pediatrician with these notes. The doctor will listen to your child's lungs and review their progress to determine whether a chest X-ray is necessary. If any new or concerning symptoms develop in the meantime, please seek an in-person medical evaluation promptly.
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
