Q: My child has watery diarrhea and vomiting after being discharged for Mycoplasma pneumonia. Do we need readmission?

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:

Recently, my child had a fever that persisted for a few days, followed by a severe runny nose and cough. We took antibiotics for 8 days, but my child developed hives and had watery diarrhea and loose stools during that time.

We went to the hospital for an X-ray, were diagnosed with pneumonia, and got admitted. The test results showed a Mycoplasma infection (a resistant strain).

After a short hospital stay of a few days, we were discharged because the follow-up X-ray showed improvement, and the doctor suggested we continue with outpatient care. However, since coming home, my child has been experiencing abdominal pain, watery diarrhea, vomiting, and coughing up sputum. Has the condition worsened?

My child has had watery diarrhea multiple times, is not eating well, and vomited a few times, but is still playing well. Do we need to change the medication or get readmitted to the hospital?

Answer:

You must be very worried as the symptoms reappeared right after discharge.

【Current Situation Summary】

• Discharged during treatment for Mycoplasma pneumonia (resistant strain) → recurrence of abdominal pain, watery diarrhea, vomiting, and sputum at home.

• The fact that your child is playing well is a positive sign.

【What to Do at Home Right Now】

• Hydration: Give small amounts (a spoonful to a small cup) of water, electrolyte drinks, or breastmilk/formula every 5-10 minutes.

• Urine Check: If there is no urine for more than 6-8 hours, it is a sign of dehydration → requires medical evaluation on the same day.

• Diet: Do not force them to eat. If they want to, offer small amounts of soft foods like porridge, bananas, or toast.

• Medication: Continue taking the antibiotics and symptom relief medications prescribed at discharge (do not stop them arbitrarily).

【Contact the Hospital or Visit the ER Today if Any of the Following Occur】

• Lips and tongue look dry or there is no urine for more than 8 hours.

• Continuous vomiting making it impossible to even drink water.

• Shortness of breath or the area under the ribs retracts while breathing.

• Lethargic, unable to make eye contact, or difficult to wake up.

• Bloody stool, bloody vomit, or recurrence of high fever (38.5°C or higher).

【Regarding Medication Change or Readmission】

The pediatrician will make a decision after reviewing the type, dosage, and duration of the antibiotics prescribed at discharge.

It is a good idea to call the clinic before your scheduled outpatient appointment to ask questions like, "Do we need to change the medication because it's a resistant strain?" or "Do we need to differentiate whether the diarrhea and vomiting are side effects of the antibiotics or signs of worsening pneumonia?"

Core Message: Playing well + maintaining hydration → you can observe the progress until the scheduled outpatient visit.

If you notice dehydration, worsening breathing, or continuous vomiting → re-evaluation is needed on the same day.

For today, please focus on hydration and monitor the frequency of urination and your child's breathing status.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

https://fevercoach.us