Manifestations of the convalescent period of pertussis

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on June 30, 2025
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The manifestations of the recovery phase of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, include a gradual reduction and alleviation of symptoms. The frequency and number of paroxysmal, spasm-like coughing attacks will progressively decrease and may even disappear completely. It's important to adjust your mindset and correctly understand the situation. Regarding diet during the recovery period, it's also advisable to avoid overly greasy, sweet, or spicy foods and consume more light, soft, and easily digestible foods. Medication should be chosen according to the treatment course, and regardless of whether the symptoms have completely alleviated, regular follow-up checks should be conducted after one treatment course.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How long does it take to cure whooping cough?

Whooping cough can generally be cured in about 10-20 days with timely treatment. This disease is a respiratory infectious disease that causes severe, spasmodic, paroxysmal coughing, as well as a barking cough, and a crowing sound when inhaling, commonly seen in babies under five years old. Therefore, children should be vaccinated against whooping cough in time to prevent this infectious disease. The treatment of this disease should involve macrolide antibiotics or cephalosporin antibiotics to kill the pathogen, which is either Corynebacterium diphtheriae or Bordetella pertussis.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Can whooping cough be cured?

Pertussis, the disease, can be cured with timely and proper treatment, so there's no need to fear. It's important to clear any concerns and understand this correctly. Pertussis is primarily an acute infectious respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis or Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The main clinical approach is to prevent the disease by administering the DTP vaccine. Once infected, the disease is characterized by typical paroxysmal bouts of coughing, including spasmodic coughing, sometimes accompanied by a crowing inspiratory stridor, and in some cases, symptoms resembling a barking cough. It is called pertussis because the course of the disease is long, but there should be no excessive fear as it can be completely cured with prompt treatment.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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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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Does whooping cough infect adults?

Pertussis, a respiratory infectious disease, can also be transmitted to adults, although the chances are generally small. It mostly occurs in adults with low immunity and those who are frail and ill when they come into contact with the pathogen. The incubation period is about two to three weeks, during which paroxysmal cluster-like coughing occurs, causing facial redness and a runny nose. Some may also experience nausea and vomiting. It is necessary to check chest X-rays, routine blood tests, and sputum pathogen cultures for diagnosis. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent other complications.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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Can a routine blood test detect whooping cough?

Whooping cough is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis infection, commonly seen in children. The main symptoms are paroxysmal spasmodic coughing and a crowing inspiratory whoop. The disease has a long course and may be complicated by pneumonia, neurological diseases, and others. The diagnosis of the disease mainly relies on the cultivation of Bordetella pertussis, detection of Bordetella pertussis DNA, and testing for pertussis toxin antibodies. In this disease, the routine blood test will also show a significant increase in the white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, and white blood cell differential.