Does whooping cough infect adults?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 07, 2024
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Pertussis, a respiratory infectious disease, can also be transmitted to adults, although the chances are generally small. It mostly occurs in adults with low immunity and those who are frail and ill when they come into contact with the pathogen. The incubation period is about two to three weeks, during which paroxysmal cluster-like coughing occurs, causing facial redness and a runny nose. Some may also experience nausea and vomiting. It is necessary to check chest X-rays, routine blood tests, and sputum pathogen cultures for diagnosis. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent other complications.

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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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Treatment methods for pertussis in children

The treatment methods for pertussis in children mainly involve anti-inflammatory processes, along with etiological treatment. Pertussis in children typically requires the selection of antimicrobial drugs to eradicate Bordetella pertussis. Clinically, macrolide antibiotics are primarily chosen, such as erythromycin, azithromycin, or clarithromycin. Also, depending on the nature of the cough, some central antitussive agents or cough and phlegm relieving drugs can be used to alleviate the symptoms of cough. Additionally, in the acute phase of inflammation where fever is present, antipyretic analgesics should be taken for symptomatic treatment. (Medication use should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Whooping cough vaccine at what age?

The pertussis vaccine is generally administered within the first year of age. Under normal circumstances, children should be taken to hospitals or public health prevention stations for vaccination according to the course of treatment. The first dose starts at the third month after birth, followed by the second dose at four months and the third dose at five months old. A booster can be administered when the baby is two years old. The DTP vaccine used in clinics mainly consists of three components: pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Symptoms and Treatment of Whooping Cough in Children

The common symptoms of whooping cough are coughing, prolonged coughing, and spasmodic coughing, which ends with a crowing sound, and it mainly occurs during the night. The face may turn bright red during coughing, which is a typical symptom of whooping cough. For treatment, in the early stages of whooping cough, erythromycin is definitely used and can be effective. However, in pediatrics, if the whooping cough has lasted for a long time, the effectiveness of the treatment is relatively not as good. If the coughing period is long and medication is used in the middle to late stages, even with some treatment, it might still continue for two to three months. Although treatments like cough suppressants and expectorants can alleviate the symptoms, a cough usually still persists to some degree.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Characteristics of whooping cough

Whooping cough is a respiratory infectious disease characterized by paroxysmal coughing and spasmodic cough. Some patients may exhibit a crowing sound similar to a rooster's crow or a bark-like cough. Adult patients may experience symptoms such as facial redness, runny nose, and vomiting. Diagnostic confirmation requires appropriate auxiliary tests. Once diagnosed, it is recommended to undergo isolation treatment and choose a sufficient amount of effective antibiotics to eradicate the Bordetella pertussis bacteria.