Can adult whooping cough heal itself?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on April 20, 2025
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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.

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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 Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What does whooping cough mean?

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a respiratory infectious disease caused by the infection of Bordetella pertussis and Corynebacterium diphtheriae, leading to inflammatory reactions in the respiratory tract. Typical symptoms include paroxysmal coughing, which is intense and can cause redness in the face and ears, runny nose, and even vomiting. Diagnosis can be confirmed through sputum culture, pathogen cultivation, routine blood tests, and chest X-rays, among other auxiliary examinations.

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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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How long does it take for pertussis-like symptoms to get better at the soonest?

If the body experiences persistent coughing that does not heal, and the hospital examination rules out pertussis, you can suspect it to be a pertussis-like disease if the symptoms are similar. This type of disease generally also requires the selection of sensitive antimicrobial drugs and appropriate cough suppressants. Expectorant medications provide symptomatic treatment. With active and formal treatment, recovery generally occurs within about one to two weeks. It's important to maintain a positive mindset, and pay attention to appropriate indoor temperature and humidity, drink plenty of water, and if there is excessive phlegm, choose medication to dilute the phlegm. Oxygen can also be administered during the acute phase to relieve symptoms of tissue hypoxia.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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Is whooping cough without the crowing sound getting better?

Pertussis without a crowing sound indicates recovery. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is an acute respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis, commonly seen in children. The progression of pertussis can be divided into three stages: The first stage is the catarrhal stage, also known as the pre-paroxysmal stage. At the early stage, the child shows symptoms similar to the common cold, followed by worsening cough. If the condition is not effectively controlled during this stage, It then progresses to the second stage, the paroxysmal stage. During the paroxysmal stage, the child exhibits characteristic episodic spasmodic coughing and crowing inhalation sounds. This period can last up to two months. Finally, it moves into the recovery stage. In the recovery stage, the frequency and severity of the episodic spasmodic cough and crowing inhalation sounds gradually alleviate. Thus, the absence of a crowing sound in whooping cough is an indication of approaching recovery.