Can whooping cough heal by itself?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on May 18, 2025
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Whooping cough is a respiratory infectious disease. If the infection is mild and the patient's immune system is normal, they can recover without medication. However, the specific clinical individual differences vary, and decisions should be based on the child's constitution, the quantity of the pathogen, and specific symptoms. If symptoms such as paroxysmal spasmodic coughing or a bark-like cough, which are typical of respiratory infections, appear, it generally will not heal on its own and requires anti-inflammatory medications to eliminate the pathogens and symptomatic treatment.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What fruits can be eaten with whooping cough?

Pertussis, once diagnosed, should be treated promptly with anti-inflammatory treatment and symptomatic care. Regarding diet, common fruits such as apples, bananas, grapes, pears, watermelons, pineapples, avocados, and mangoes can generally be consumed without special restrictions. Eating more pears, tangerines, and oranges can effectively moisturize the lungs, dissolve phlegm, suppress coughs, and alleviate symptoms. It is also important to drink plenty of water and maintain suitable indoor temperature and humidity to aid in recovery from the disease. Early detection and treatment of the disease, and the formulation of individualized treatment measures, are crucial.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Pertussis transmission routes

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a contagious respiratory disease often seen in children. It is typically caused by infection with the Bordetella pertussis or Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria, and is mainly transmitted through airborne droplets and close contact with infected individuals. It has a strong contagion potential, with contagiousness becoming significant about two to three weeks from the incubation period to the onset of symptoms. Once diagnosed, it is crucial to isolate the patient promptly and administer medications to alleviate discomfort. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through the cultivation of the pathogen. Treatment includes medications to thin the mucus, isolation of the infectious source, and the use of macrolide antibiotics like erythromycin or azithromycin to manage inflammation during the acute phase.

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

Pertussis, a disease caused by infection with the Bordetella pertussis or Corynebacterium diphtheriae, is a contagious respiratory illness. The typical symptom is severe coughing, which presents as paroxysmal, rapid coughing fits. This coughing can lead to redness in the face and ears, a runny nose, tears, and bulging neck veins. If these coughing symptoms are prolonged, it is advisable to visit a hospital to check the pathogen in the secretions. Once the pathogen is confirmed, treatment can include oral or intravenous macrolide antibiotics to control the infection, along with symptomatic treatment. (Note: The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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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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Can adult whooping cough heal itself?

Adults with pertussis, a condition that can resolve on its own if the symptoms are mild and the body's immune function is normal. However, decisions should be based on individual constitution, and not all patients can self-heal, especially those who are frail or have endocrine diseases generally cannot recover on their own. It is necessary to timely choose macrolide antibiotics and combine them with symptomatic treatment to alleviate symptoms such as cough, difficulty breathing, and fever. Regular exercise is needed to boost immunity.