What is the difference between mycoplasma pneumonia and whooping cough?

Mycoplasma causes a dry, persistent cough lasting 2-4 weeks, is more common in school-age children (5+ years), and has no vaccine. Whooping cough causes paroxysmal coughing with a 'whoop' sound, can last weeks to months, affects all ages (infants at highest risk), and is preventable with DTaP vaccine.

Why is whooping cough dangerous for babies?

Whooping cough is life-threatening for babies under 6 months. It can cause apnea (breathing stops) after coughing fits, cyanosis (turning blue) from lack of oxygen, and in severe cases brain damage or death. Babies who haven't completed 3 doses of DTaP vaccine don't have adequate protection.

When should I take my child to the doctor for a persistent cough?

See your pediatrician if cough lasts more than 2 weeks, fever persists for 3+ days, there's wheezing or whistling when breathing, breathing appears fast or labored, or coughing prevents sleep. Go to the ER immediately if baby stops breathing, has breathing pauses, lips turn blue, or becomes unresponsive.

How can I protect my baby from whooping cough?

Vaccination is the most important protection. Follow the DTaP schedule at 2, 4, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years. Pregnant women should get Tdap in the third trimester to pass antibodies to newborns. Family members with coughs should maintain distance from infants.

Health December 17, 2024 8 min read

Mycoplasma Pneumonia & Whooping Cough
Baby Respiratory Illness Guide

This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider if your child has symptoms.

Have you noticed pediatric clinics are packed lately? Since fall 2024, mycoplasma pneumonia and whooping cough (pertussis) have been spreading significantly. Both cause persistent coughing, making them easy to confuse. Here's how to tell them apart and what to do.

Mycoplasma vs Whooping Cough: Key Differences

	Mycoplasma	Whooping Cough
Cause	Mycoplasma bacteria	Bordetella pertussis bacteria
Common age	School-age (5+ years)	All ages (infants at highest risk)
Cough type	Dry, persistent cough	Paroxysmal cough + "whoop" sound
Duration	2-4 weeks	Weeks to months
Vaccine	None available	DTaP vaccine

Mycoplasma Pneumonia

Could It Be Mycoplasma?

Watch for these signs:

Cough lasting 2+ weeks without improvement
Started like a cold but cough is getting worse
Low-grade fever that comes and goes
Cold medicine doesn't seem to help
An older sibling had similar symptoms first

How Is It Treated?

Mycoplasma requires antibiotic treatment. Doctors typically prescribe macrolide antibiotics like azithromycin.

Even with antibiotics, the cough won't disappear immediately. It improves gradually, so be patient!

Home Care Tips

Keep humidity at 50-60%
Encourage plenty of fluids
Allow plenty of rest
Complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Why Is Whooping Cough So Dangerous?

Whooping cough is especially life-threatening for babies under 6 months.

Apnea (breathing stops) after coughing fits
Cyanosis (turning blue) from lack of oxygen
In severe cases: brain damage or death

Babies who haven't completed 3 doses of DTaP vaccine don't have adequate protection against whooping cough.

Warning Signs of Whooping Cough

Rapid-fire coughing followed by a "whoop" sound when gasping for air
Vomiting after coughing
Face turns red or blue during coughing fits
Seems fine between coughing episodes
Cough persists for 2+ weeks

When to Go to the ER Immediately

Baby stops breathing or pauses breathing after coughing
Lips or face turn blue
Baby becomes limp or unresponsive

Prevention Is the Best Medicine

For Mycoplasma

There's no vaccine, so hygiene practices are key.

Frequent handwashing
Avoid close contact with sick individuals
Ventilate rooms regularly
If a sibling is sick, try to keep them separated

For Whooping Cough

Vaccination is the most important protection!

DTaP schedule: 2, 4, 6 months / 15-18 months / 4-6 years
Stay on schedule with all doses
Pregnant women: Tdap in third trimester protects newborns

When Should You See a Doctor?

See Your Pediatrician If:

Cough lasts more than 2 weeks
Fever persists for 3+ days
Wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing
Breathing appears fast or labored
Coughing at night prevents sleep

Go to the ER If:

Baby stops breathing or has breathing pauses
Lips or fingernails turn blue
Baby is unusually drowsy or unresponsive

Key Takeaways

This winter, respiratory illnesses are spreading widely. If your child's cough persists, don't dismiss it as "just a cold" - get it checked by a doctor.

Families with young babies should especially confirm that DTaP vaccinations are up to date, and family members with coughs should maintain distance from infants!