Whooping cough: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Whooping cough

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium known as Bordet Ella pertussis. The infection causes violent, uncontrollable coughing, which can make it difficult to breathe.

Even though whooping cough can affect people of any age, it is most dangerous for young children and infants.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), whooping cough was a leading cause of childhood deaths in the United States before a vaccine was available. According to CDC, there were just under 18,000 cases of pertussis in 2016, with seven deaths reported.

Whooping cough symptoms

The incubation period for whooping cough is about 5 to 10 days, but symptoms may not appear for up to three weeks, according to the CDC Trusted Source.

Early symptoms of the common cold include a runny nose, cough, and fever. A persistent cough may develop within two weeks, making breathing difficult.

It is not uncommon for infants to make a “whoop” sound when they try to breathe after coughing spells.

A severe cough can also cause:

·       vomiting

·       blue or purple skin around the mouth

·       dehydration

·       low-grade fever

·       breathing difficulties

Children and adults generally experience softer symptoms, such as prolonged coughing without a whooping sound.

Diagnosing and treating whooping cough

You should seek medical attention right away if you or your child experience symptoms of whooping cough, especially if other members of your family have not received the vaccine.

The bacteria that cause whooping cough can rapidly spread from one person to another if they cough, sneeze, or laugh – causing the disease to spread quickly.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and take mucus samples in the nose and throat to diagnose whooping cough. Samples will then be tested for the presence of B. pertussis bacteria. Blood tests may also be necessary for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

During treatment, infants and young children often need to be hospitalized for observation and respiratory support. Some people may need intravenous (IV) fluids to rehydrate when symptoms prevent them from drinking enough fluids.

Whooping cough is a bacterial infection, so antibiotics are the primary treatment. In the early stages of whooping cough, antibiotics are most effective. During the final stages of an infection, they can also be used to prevent its spread.

Antibiotics can treat an infection, but they cannot prevent or treat the cough.

In newborns and small children, cough medicines should not be used to treat whooping cough, as their side effects are unpredictable.

For your child’s bedroom, doctors recommend using humidifiers to keep the air moist and ease the symptoms of whooping cough.

Possible complications

If an infant has whooping cough, they need close monitoring to prevent complications due to a lack of oxygen. These complications include:

·       brain damage

·       pneumonia

·       seizures

·       bleeding in the brain

·       apnea (slowed or stopped breathing)

·       convulsions (uncontrollable, rapid shaking)

·       death

If your infant experiences symptoms of infection, contact your doctor immediately.

Complications can also affect older children and adults, including:

·       difficulty sleeping

·       urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control)

·       pneumonia

·       rib fracture

Long-term outlook

People who are suffering from whooping cough may experience symptoms for weeks or even months after the illness. However, with early medical intervention, most children and adults recover quickly.

Deaths related to whooping cough are most likely to occur in infants, even after starting treatment.

The parents of infants should monitor them carefully. Consult a doctor if you notice symptoms persisting or getting worse.

Whooping cough prevention

A vaccine is the best way to prevent diseases. The best time to vaccinate an infant is:

·       2 months

·       4 months

·       6 months

Children must receive booster shots when they reach the following ages:

·       15 to 18 months

·       at 4 to 6 years of age, and then again at 11 years of age

Children are not the only ones at risk from whooping cough. Talk to your medical doctor about vaccinations if you:

·       Visit, work with or care for infants and children

·       who have reached the age of 65

·       work in the healthcare industry

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