What are the characteristics of the onset of whooping cough?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on May 03, 2025
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Pertussis is characterized by its distinctive cough, featuring episodes of spasmodic coughing that is intense and can lead to redness in the face and ears, a runny nose, nausea, vomiting, and headaches, among other complications. Some infants and toddlers may also exhibit a bark-like cough and an inspiratory "crowing" sound. Clinically, it is most commonly seen in children under five years of age. Diagnosis requires testing such as pathogen culture, complete blood count, and chest X-rays. Targeted antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatments are then administered accordingly.

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

Is the pertussis vaccine an inactivated vaccine?

The pertussis vaccine is not an inactivated vaccine but a live attenuated vaccine, which primarily stimulates the body to produce antibodies. Once antibodies are produced, it can effectively prevent the disease pertussis. The commonly used pertussis vaccine in clinical settings is the trivalent vaccine, also known as the DTP vaccine, which can prevent pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus—three infectious diseases caused by pathogens. It is essential to follow medical advice and complete the vaccination schedule as prescribed to achieve prevention. After vaccination, it is crucial to observe for any complications or adverse reactions.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
42sec home-news-image

How is whooping cough transmitted?

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is primarily caused by the infection of Bordetella pertussis. The main transmission routes are through the respiratory tract or via close contact, particularly in classrooms where young children are present, which can easily lead to cross-infection. The disease has an incubation period of about three to seven days, and in some cases, it can range from two to three weeks. Children under the age of five have the highest incidence rate. Clinically, vaccination is recommended for prevention. Once infected, the early stages of the disease resemble those of a common cold, with typical symptoms being paroxysmal, spasmodic coughing.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Whooping cough vaccine

The vaccine for pertussis is generally a type of compound vaccine, belonging to the triple vaccine category, primarily the DTP vaccine. This vaccine can prevent common infectious pathogens such as whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus. It is necessary to take children to the hospital for timely vaccinations according to the treatment schedule to effectively produce antibodies, which can provide effective prevention and treatment. It is also important to pay attention to the cleanliness of indoor air, ensure indoor air disinfection, and avoid going to crowded environments, especially during the flu season to strengthen protection.

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home-news-image
Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
39sec home-news-image

What are the characteristics of the onset of whooping cough?

Pertussis is characterized by its distinctive cough, featuring episodes of spasmodic coughing that is intense and can lead to redness in the face and ears, a runny nose, nausea, vomiting, and headaches, among other complications. Some infants and toddlers may also exhibit a bark-like cough and an inspiratory "crowing" sound. Clinically, it is most commonly seen in children under five years of age. Diagnosis requires testing such as pathogen culture, complete blood count, and chest X-rays. Targeted antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatments are then administered accordingly.

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Written by Wu Ben Rong
Pediatrics
42sec home-news-image

How to treat whooping cough?

Whooping cough is a severe infectious disease that is relatively common in children. The main treatment for the disease still primarily involves antimicrobial drugs, supplemented by symptomatic treatment and treatment for complications. If a child has severe coughing, they may experience choking, and in necessary cases, tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation may be required. If other symptoms occur, targeted treatments must be carried out to alleviate the various clinical symptoms of the child. The treatment duration for whooping cough is relatively long, so parents need to be patient. If a child has not had whooping cough, they should be vaccinated with the DTaP vaccine to prevent the disease.