Where to get tested for whooping cough

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 09, 2024
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Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a prevalent infectious respiratory disease in children. If the disease is suspected, one can visit a nearby public hospital for a physical examination. Tests can include a complete blood count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, as well as a sputum culture to identify pathogens such as Corynebacterium diphtheriae and Bordetella pertussis for diagnosis. Typical symptoms include a cough resembling a dog's bark or a crowing sound. Prompt treatment with macrolide antibiotics and cough suppressants and expectorants is necessary to alleviate discomfort.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Is pertussis massage effective?

Pertussis, a respiratory infectious disease, can also be somewhat alleviated by the use of traditional Chinese massage techniques as an auxiliary treatment. However, these should only be used as a supplementary method and cannot completely replace drug treatment for physical illnesses. Pertussis is mostly caused by infection with the Corynebacterium diphtheriae or Bordetella pertussis, and it is a contagious disease. The typical symptoms include paroxysmal, rapid coughing, some children may produce a cough that sounds like a puppy barking, and some may also produce a crowing sound during inhalation. The primary treatment involves using antimicrobial drugs that target the infecting bacteria, which is the most fundamental method of treatment.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Does whooping cough require isolation?

Pertussis, this contagious disease, once diagnosed, requires isolation to prevent infection to healthy children or even adults with low immunity. It is necessary to provide an isolated room for the child, and attention should be paid to indoor ventilation, appropriate temperature, frequent cleaning and sunning of clothes and bedding, ensuring adequate and good sleep, and maintaining clean, ventilated air indoors. Dietary adjustments should also be made, avoiding too cold, spicy, or acidic foods. Timely selection of sensitive antibacterial drugs and cough suppressants can help alleviate symptoms of coughing and wheezing.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What are the symptoms of whooping cough?

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, typically manifests as paroxysmal coughing. During the acute phase, the cough is spasmodic, and some patients may produce sounds similar to a dog's bark or a rooster's crow. This type of cough can lead to complications such as a runny nose, tearing, facial flushing, red ears, and vomiting. Diagnosis should be confirmed through routine examination of secretions. During the acute phase, symptomatic treatment should be administered, along with the selection of macrolide antibiotics to eliminate the pathogenic bacteria, which are mostly due to infection by Corynebacterium diphtheriae or Bordetella pertussis. Patients should adjust their mindset, drink plenty of warm water, and maintain clean indoor air.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How is whooping cough diagnosed?

If the body has chronic cough symptoms that do not heal over time and recur frequently, it is suspicious of pertussis infection. To confirm this disease, corresponding auxiliary examinations are needed, such as a complete blood count and sputum culture. If Bordetella pertussis or Corynebacterium diphtheriae are cultured from the sputum, a diagnosis can be made. It is also necessary to combine clinical symptoms and promptly use sensitive antibiotics and cough-relieving expectorant drugs for symptomatic treatment, adjusting the mindset to avoid mental tension.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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whooping cough symptoms

Whooping cough is a common respiratory infectious disease, mainly caused by infection with Bordetella pertussis. Typical symptoms include colds, runny nose, etc., and feature paroxysmal coughing. The main characteristic is paroxysmal, spasmodic coughing that occurs in strings, with more than ten or even dozens of coughs at a time. The coughing increases abdominal pressure, leading to nausea and vomiting. Infants and young children may also experience a barking cough and wheezing. Some may also experience symptoms such as urinary and fecal incontinence, flushed face, runny nose, teary eyes, and cyanosis of the lips. Once diagnosed, it is important to promptly select sensitive antibiotics for anti-inflammatory treatment. Currently, the main approach to managing this disease is prevention, including timely vaccination against whooping cough.