Mycoplasma pneumonia in children: How to support treatment with natural methods

The Czech Republic is experiencing a record incidence of mycoplasma infections in 2024/2025 – almost 34,500 cases were reported, which is ten times the usual number. The most affected are school-age children, in whom mycoplasma pneumonia (pneumonia) occurs atypically and is often not recognized in time. While antibiotic treatment is necessary, natural supportive methods, including the Priessnitz wrap, can significantly speed up recovery and alleviate unpleasant symptoms.

What is mycoplasma pneumonia and why is it so common this year

Mycoplasma pneumonia is an atypical pneumonia caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Unlike classic bacterial pneumonia caused by pneumococcus, mycoplasma infection develops more gradually and is primarily manifested by a dry, irritating cough that can last weeks or months.

Why the record increase in 2024/2025?

Epidemiologists attribute the current boom to several factors:​

Cyclic nature: Mycoplasma pneumoniae appears in 3-7 year cycles – the last major epidemic was before 2019, which means now is the natural time for a new peak.​

Immune debt: After Covid lockdowns, children have not been exposed to common pathogens, so their immune systems are not ready.​

School environment: The bacteria spreads by droplet infection in closed spaces – schools are an ideal environment for transmission.​

Late diagnosis: Symptoms are subtle and are often mistaken for a common cold, so children go to school and spread the infection further.​

How to recognize mycoplasma pneumonia in children

Typical symptoms develop gradually over 1-3 weeks:​

Early phase (week 1)

• Dry, irritating cough (the most characteristic symptom)
• Mild fever (37.5-38.5°C) or absence of fever
• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Cough​

Advanced phase (2nd-3rd week)

• Worsening cough - paroxysmal, especially at night
• Possible shortness of breath on exertion
• Chest pain when coughing or taking a deep breath
• Hoarseness
• Worsened general condition
• Possible extrapulmonary manifestations: skin rash, joint pain, diarrhea

Difference from classical pneumonia

Mycoplasma pneumonia is therefore often called "walking pneumonia" (pneumonia that a person walks with) - a child can have pneumonia on an X-ray, but still go to school.

Why is antibiotic treatment necessary

Unlike viral infections, where antibiotics are ineffective, mycoplasma pneumonia requires antibiotic treatment. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a bacterium, although atypical (it does not have a cell wall, so regular penicillin does not work).

Antibiotics of choice

Macrolides (azithromycin, clarithromycin) - first choice in children

• Duration of treatment: 3-5 days
• Advantage: single dose 1x daily

Tetracyclines (doxycycline) - in children over 8 years of age

• Duration of treatment: 7-10 days

Fluoroquinolones - reserve antibiotics when macrolides fail

Important: Never start antibiotic treatment yourself without a doctor's prescription. Incorrect choice of antibiotic or premature termination of treatment leads to the development of resistance.

How the Priessnitz wrap supports the treatment of mycoplasma pneumonia

While antibiotics fight directly against the bacteria, the Priessnitz chest wrap acts symptomatically and supports the body's natural defense mechanisms:

Improvement of blood circulation in the lungs

The contrast of hot-cold application causes reactive hyperemia (increased blood circulation) in the lungs. More blood means more oxygen, nutrients and immune cells in the inflamed area.

Relaxation of the airways

The wrap relieves spasm of the smooth muscles of the bronchi, which makes breathing easier and reduces shortness of breath.

Promotes expectoration

The heat and moisture help to dissolve mucus deposited in the bronchi, which allows it to be coughed up better.

Anti-inflammatory effect

The cold application reduces the inflammatory reaction in the lungs, which relieves chest pain and improves ventilation.

Soothes paroxysmal cough

The wrap has a calming effect on the irritating receptors in the bronchi, which reduces the frequency of coughing attacks, especially at night.

Instructions: Priessnitz chest wrap for mycoplasma pneumonia

Preparation of materials

• Inner layer: cotton fabric or diaper towel (40×60 cm for smaller children, 60×80 cm for older children and adults)
• Mid layer: flannel or fleece blanket (10 cm larger than the inner layer)
• Outer layer: warm wool blanket
• Water: lukewarm (20-24°C) – not cold!
• Bowl or basin

Application procedure

Step 1: Preparing the environment

• Room temperature at least 22°C
• Close windows, avoid drafts
• Prepare a bed with several pillows (the child will be in a semi-sitting position)

Step 2: Wetting the fabric

• Soak the inner cotton fabric in lukewarm water (20-24°C)
• Wring out thoroughly - the fabric must be damp, but not dripping
• Excessive moisture will cause hypothermia and can worsen the inflammation

Step 3: Application to the chest

Put the child in a semi-sitting position (30-45° - important for better breathing)

• Spread the inner wet cloth over the entire chest from the neck to the lower ribs
• Laterally (to the sides), the wrap should reach the back
• Immediately cover with a middle dry layer (flannel cloth)
• Wrap the entire body in a warm woolen blanket

Step 4: Exposure time

• Children 2-6 years: 20-25 minutes
• Children 6-12 years: 25-35 minutes
• Children over 12 years and adults: 35-45 minutes

During the exposure, talk to the child, read to him, or let him listen to an audio story. Check if the extremities are too hot or cold.

Step 5: Removing and caring for the wrap

After the time has passed, remove the wrap

• Dry the skin of the chest with a soft towel
• Clothe the child in a dry, warm cotton T-shirt
• Let him rest in a warm bed for at least 30-60 minutes

How often to repeat

In the acute phase (first week of antibiotic treatment):

• 2-3 times a day - morning, afternoon, evening before bedtime
• A gap of at least 3-4 hours between applications

In the recovery phase (2nd-3rd week):

• 1-2 times a day - afternoon and evening
• Continue until the cough has significantly subsided

Evening application is most important - cough in mycoplasma pneumonia worsens at night, and a wrap before bedtime can significantly improve the quality of sleep.

Complementary natural methods for faster recovery

Combining the Priessnitz wrap with other natural methods brings the best results:

1. Inhalation with herbs

How to do it: Inhale water vapor with chamomile, thyme or sage 3 times a day.

Effect: Steam moistens the respiratory tract, herbs have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. It helps dissolve mucus.

Practical tip: Use an inhaler or a bowl of hot water - the child leans over a bowl covered with a towel and inhales the steam for 5-10 minutes.

2. Air humidification

How to do it: Use a humidifier in the child's room, especially at night. Alternatively, place bowls of water around the room.

Effect: Dry air irritates already inflamed respiratory tract. Optimal humidity of 50-60% accelerates healing.

3. Herbal teas to support immunity

Recommended mixtures:

Thyme + linden: expectorant (supports coughing) + antipyretic (reduces fever) effect

Rosehip + black elderberry: high vitamin C content supports the immune system

Thyme: strong antibacterial effect, helps with coughing

Dosage: 3-4 times a day a cup of warm (not hot) tea.

4. Honey with onion – traditional expectorant

Recipe:

Cut 1 large onion into thin slices

Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of honey

Let stand overnight in a closed container

Strain the resulting liquid in the morning

Dosage: 3-4 times a day 1 teaspoon of this liquid.

Effect: Onions contain sulfur and flavonoids with antibacterial effect, honey soothes irritation and creates a protective film.​

5. Breathing exercises

After the acute phase has subsided (from the 2nd week of treatment), gentle breathing exercises help restore full lung capacity:​

Deep breathing: 5x slow inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth

Breathing exercises: inflate balloons 2-3x a day

Strengthening the diaphragm: breathe into the abdomen (the abdomen rises when you inhale)​

6. Peace and rest

Most important: A child with mycoplasma pneumonia needs complete peace - no school, sports or other physical activity for at least 2 weeks.​

Why: Mycoplasma pneumoniae damages the ciliated epithelium of the bronchi. It takes time and peace to regenerate. Early return to school can lead to relapse (relapse).

What not to do with mycoplasma pneumonia

Some common habits can worsen the course of the disease:

❌ Do not use antitussives (cough suppressants) without a doctor's recommendation - coughing is a defense mechanism that helps expel bacteria

❌ Do not return your child to school early - the infection can spread to other children and the child risks worsening

❌ Do not underestimate worsening symptoms - some children require hospitalization

❌ Do not stop antibiotic treatment prematurely - even if the child feels better, he must complete the treatment

❌ Do not expose your child to cigarette smoke - smoke significantly worsens the course of pneumonia

❌ Do not apply warm compresses to the chest in the acute phase - they increase inflammation. Use only lukewarm compresses

When to see a doctor or call an ambulance immediately

Mycoplasma pneumonia is usually mild, but in some cases it can be serious:

Call an ambulance immediately (155) if:

The child has significant breathing difficulties (breathing rapidly, shallowly, with exertion)

• Lips or nails are bluish in color (cyanosis - lack of oxygen)
• Is abnormally sleepy or cannot be woken up
• Has a very high fever (over 40°C) that does not respond to antipyretics
• Chest pain is intense and getting worse

See a doctor as scheduled if:

• Cough lasts more than 3 weeks without improvement
• No improvement after several days of antibiotics
• Fever does not go away after 3 days
• New symptoms appear (rash, joint pain, diarrhea)
• The child refuses to eat and drink

Prevention: How prevent mycoplasma pneumonia

In times of epidemic, prevention is key:

Hygiene measures:

Frequent hand washing (at least 20 seconds with soap)

Coughing and sneezing into your elbow, not your hands

Do not use shared cutlery, glasses, towels

Regular ventilation of rooms

Immunity boosting:

Sufficient sleep (children 10-12 hours a day)

A balanced diet rich in vitamins (fruit , vegetables)

Regular exercise in the fresh air

Preventive Priessnitz wraps 2 times a week during the flu season

Limit contacts:

During the epidemic, limit visits to closed spaces with a large number of people

If the child is sick, keep him at home and do not send him to school

Prognosis: How long does it take to recover

With proper treatment, the prognosis of mycoplasma pneumonia is excellent:

With antibiotics: Improvement within 2-3 days, complete disappearance of symptoms in 2-3 weeks

Without antibiotics: Cough can last 4-6 weeks or even longer, higher risk of complications

With supportive methods (including Priessnitz wrap): Acceleration of recovery by 30-40%

Return to school: At the earliest after 2 weeks from the start of antibiotic treatment and after the disappearance of symptoms

Conclusion: An integrated approach is best

Mycoplasma pneumonia requires a combined approach:

1. Antibiotic treatment (base) – fights bacteria
2. Priessnitz wrap (support) – relieves symptoms, improves blood circulation
3. Inhalation and herbs (supplement) – relaxes the airways
4. Peace and rest (necessity) – allows regeneration

At a time of record-breaking incidence of mycoplasma infections in the Czech Republic (2024/2025), it is important to be informed and know how to combine modern medicine with proven natural methods. Priessnitz wrap is not a substitute for antibiotics, but a valuable assistant that can significantly speed up your child's recovery and alleviate their suffering.