What are the symptoms of whooping cough?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 06, 2024
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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 Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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Whooping cough occurs in children of what age?

Pertussis is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis infection, mainly characterized by paroxysmal spasmodic coughing, crowing inspiratory stridor, and the coughing often occurs at night. Pertussis can occur in both adults and children, but is more common in children. Children under the age of five are the most susceptible, especially infants who have not been vaccinated against pertussis. Children are generally vaccinated with the primary prophylaxis at the age of three to five months, receive a booster at 18-24 months, and another booster at the age of six. If pertussis occurs in adults, the condition is milder and the course of the disease is shorter.

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Written by Tong Peng
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What should I do if whooping cough keeps recurring?

Whooping cough is repeatedly characterized by coughing due to its specific etiology. As a type of upper respiratory tract infectious disease, whooping cough mainly results from external stimuli causing respiratory infections. It tends to affect populations with weaker immunity and resistance, especially infants. Furthermore, in daily life, it's important to avoid contact with or consumption of foods that may cause allergies or irritate the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. It's crucial to ensure proper ventilation in living environments, and symptomatic medication should be administered to whooping cough patients. Treatment may involve oral medications or inhalation therapy, and regular follow-ups are necessary to control the condition and prevent recurrence.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Can you still get whooping cough even if you have been vaccinated?

If the whooping cough vaccine is administered effectively and antibodies are produced, it generally prevents reinfection. However, if the vaccine is not administered according to the prescribed schedule, or if no antibodies are produced after the vaccination, exposure to this pathogen may still lead to infection. The disease is characterized by fits of coughing, which can cause blushing, runny nose, tears, nausea, and vomiting. Some children may also experience a barking cough and a crowing sound during inhalation.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Is whooping cough an infectious disease?

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a contagious disease that is a respiratory tract infection. It primarily spreads through airborne droplets and close daily contact. Clinically, there is a vaccine available for this condition, mainly the DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine. Following the vaccination schedule and developing antibodies can effectively prevent the disease. This disease has a lengthy course and can easily cause recurrent coughing episodes and persistent symptoms. It is important to correctly understand and be aware of the characteristics of its onset. If suspected, early examination and timely selection of medications for symptom control are essential, along with addressing the underlying cause.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What does whooping cough mean?

Whooping cough is the name of a disease. It is called whooping cough because the course of the disease is relatively long, and it could potentially last for nearly a hundred days. However, it doesn't necessarily mean that one will cough for a hundred days; it's just a general term indicating that the disease has a long duration and tends to recur easily. This disease is a respiratory infectious disease, transmitted and spread through airborne droplets in clinical settings, with the main pathogens being Corynebacterium diphtheriae and Bordetella pertussis, among others. Personal hygiene habits in daily life should be paid attention to, and once diagnosed, antibiotics should be selected in time for anti-inflammatory treatment.