What are the symptoms of whooping cough?

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

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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 Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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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.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How to diagnose the incubation period of pertussis

The incubation period of whooping cough generally has no autonomous discomfort symptoms. If there is close contact with a patient and the body lacks antibodies, suspecting the presence of this pathogen, corresponding auxiliary examinations can be conducted for diagnosis. Bacteriological examinations and fluorescent antibody methods can be performed, using nasopharyngeal swab secretions smear or nasal mucosa impression smear fluorescent antibody staining to detect specific antigens, with an early positive rate of 75%-85%. Complement fixation tests in serology can also be conducted to detect specific antibodies, effectively aiding in the diagnosis of atypical cases.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Where to get tested for whooping cough

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a prevalent infectious respiratory disease in children. If the disease is suspected, one can visit a nearby public hospital for a physical examination. Tests can include a complete blood count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, as well as a sputum culture to identify pathogens such as Corynebacterium diphtheriae and Bordetella pertussis for diagnosis. Typical symptoms include a cough resembling a dog's bark or a crowing sound. Prompt treatment with macrolide antibiotics and cough suppressants and expectorants is necessary to alleviate discomfort.

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Written by Wang Xiang Yu
Pulmonology
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Is pertussis a Class B infectious disease?

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is definitely classified as a contagious disease. According to the current infectious disease management laws in our country, pertussis is categorized under Class B infectious diseases. After understanding that it is a Class B infectious disease, we should also be aware of how infectious diseases are classified in our country. They are divided into Class A, Class B, and Class C based on the level of harm caused by the disease. Simply put, the more harmful, the less effective the treatment, and the higher the mortality rate, the more likely the disease will be classified as Class A, such as plague and cholera. On the other hand, diseases that are less harmful, such as influenza, rubella, and leprosy, are classified under Class C.