Treatment methods for pertussis

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 27, 2024
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For the treatment of whooping cough, the first step should be to drink plenty of water and maintain a suitable indoor temperature and humidity. In terms of medication, it is necessary to choose macrolide antibiotics and adhere to an inflammatory treatment course. Clinically common drugs include erythromycin, roxithromycin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, etc., and generally, medication is required for at least about ten days. At the same time, it is recommended to use antitussive and expectorant drugs. If there are symptoms of breathing difficulty, oxygen inhalation can also be administered. There are many expectorant drugs clinically available, such as carbocisteine or She Dan Chuan Bei liquid, ambroxol oral solution, etc., all of which can serve the function of suppressing coughs and expelling phlegm.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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Will there be shadows in the lungs after recovery from whooping cough?

Whooping cough is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis infection, commonly seen in children, with children under five years old being the most susceptible. The main clinical symptoms include paroxysmal spasmodic coughing and a crowing, inspiratory whoop, with the cough being more pronounced at night. The symptoms of whooping cough are severe, but the physical signs are mild. During lung auscultation, no dry or moist rales can generally be heard, and imaging examinations are also normal. However, whooping cough may be complicated by bronchopneumonia, bronchiectasis, and other complications, in which case lung X-rays may show shadows, but these shadows will disappear after recovery from the treatment.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Is whooping cough contagious?

Pertussis, a type of disease, is an infectious respiratory infection, thus it is contagious. If there is a pertussis patient in the home, it is recommended to isolate the patient for treatment, ensure air ventilation and disinfection in the living space, and use personal items separately. Patients should ideally wear masks to block the bacteria from spreading through respiratory passages, and should actively choose antimicrobial drugs to control the infection, drink plenty of water, and rest sufficiently. When feverish, adopt physical methods to reduce fever or take antipyretic medication for symptomatic treatment. The main principle should be to choose macrolide antibiotics to control the infection. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

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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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Whooping cough is caused by what?

Whooping cough is a type of contagious disease, caused by infection with the Bordetella pertussis or Corynebacterium diphtheriae that causes respiratory infection symptoms. Its characteristics include paroxysmal, hormone-like coughing, commonly seen in clinical paediatrics. It presents specific cough sounds, such as a bark-like cough or a crowing sound during inhalation. If similar symptoms are observed, sputum culture or other diagnostic tests such as chest X-rays and routine blood tests can be performed. Once diagnosed, it is crucial to promptly select macrolide antibiotics to eliminate the pathogens.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Is the pertussis vaccine an inactivated vaccine?

The pertussis vaccine is not an inactivated vaccine but a live attenuated vaccine, which primarily stimulates the body to produce antibodies. Once antibodies are produced, it can effectively prevent the disease pertussis. The commonly used pertussis vaccine in clinical settings is the trivalent vaccine, also known as the DTP vaccine, which can prevent pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus—three infectious diseases caused by pathogens. It is essential to follow medical advice and complete the vaccination schedule as prescribed to achieve prevention. After vaccination, it is crucial to observe for any complications or adverse reactions.