What are the symptoms of whooping cough?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on December 23, 2024
00:00
00:00

Pertussis has many symptoms. The early symptoms are the same as those of a common cold, including a runny nose, sore throat, and fever. About one to two weeks later, episodic, spastic coughing occurs. Some may also experience a barking cough and a crowing sound during inhalation, which are characteristic symptoms of pertussis. This type of cough can lead to complications such as an acute facial expression, redness in the face and ears, runny nose, tears, and vomiting. It is necessary to culture the pathogen and choose sensitive antibiotics to kill this bordetella pertussis.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
44sec home-news-image

What causes whooping cough?

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a respiratory infectious disease primarily caused by the Bordetella pertussis or Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria. It is contagious and has a prolonged course, often leading to paroxysmal spasmodic coughing. It is commonly seen in infants and spreads through airborne droplets and close contact. The disease is generally prevented through vaccination. It has been included in the national free vaccination program, with babies receiving injections at three, four, and five months of age as part of their basic immunization, followed by a booster shot after the age of two. Once antibodies are produced, they can effectively prevent the disease.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
43sec home-news-image

Is nebulization useful for pertussis?

Nebulized inhalation for localized treatment of pertussis can be quite effective. It helps alleviate bronchial smooth muscle spasms and is used for spasmodic coughs, effectively easing cough symptoms as a symptomatic treatment measure. However, it is also necessary to target the infectious pathogens with oral or intravenous macrolide antibiotics for anti-inflammatory treatment. Drinking plenty of water, maintaining suitable indoor temperature and humidity, and having confidence in overcoming the disease are important. Although the course of the disease may be long, complete recovery is possible through proper treatment, so there is no need for excessive worry.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
51sec home-news-image

How to Read Pertussis Test Results

The test for whooping cough is to see if there are any pathogens in the body. If it is confirmed that there is Bordetella pertussis, it can be determined that this disease causes spasmodic coughing, which might be prolonged and recurrent. It may also lead to fever, breathing difficulties, cyanosis of the lips, and signs of hypoxia, requiring symptomatic treatment first. At the same time, selecting macrolide antibiotics to kill the Bordetella pertussis, maintaining a good mental attitude, and ensuring that the room temperature and humidity are kept at appropriate levels are important. Attention should also be paid to the disinfection of the air. Additionally, as it is a communicable disease, isolation treatment is recommended to prevent cross-infection. It is important to adjust your mental attitude, follow the course of medication, and have regular check-ups.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
33sec home-news-image

Whooping cough is transmitted through respiratory droplets.

Pertussis is mainly transmitted through airborne droplets and is a commonly seen respiratory infectious disease in clinical settings. If a child is at school and classmates have pertussis without antibodies in their body, it is quite possible for the infection to occur, commonly seen in babies under five years old. If there are episodes of spasmodic, convulsive coughing accompanied by a barking sound or a crowing sound during inhalation, this disease should be highly suspected, and prompt culturing of the pathogen is needed for confirmation.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
47sec home-news-image

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.