How to diagnose the incubation period of pertussis

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on January 29, 2025
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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 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.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What is good to eat for whooping cough?

If the body is suffering from whooping cough, in terms of diet, one should eat more fruits such as pears, grapes, watermelons, oranges, and grapefruits. Drinking honey water can also help alleviate symptoms such as coughing and thinning mucus. At the same time, one should choose macrolide antibiotics, as well as medications that thin mucus and relieve bronchial smooth muscle spasms for symptomatic treatment. It is important to adjust one’s mindset, avoid mental stress, follow the treatment course in choosing medications, and it is possible to gradually recover. During the treatment period, maintain the cleanliness of the indoor air, drink plenty of water, and avoid eating spicy foods and snacks.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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The incubation period of pertussis is how many days?

Pertussis, a respiratory infectious disease, has an incubation period of about seven to fourteen days, and is mostly contracted through contact with an infected person or from infection by the diphtheria bacillus or pertussis bacillus. Initial symptoms resemble those of a common cold and may include a runny nose, sneezing, throat dryness and itch, and an irritating cough. A characteristic symptom of the cough is paroxysmal spasmodic coughing, which may also present with a bark-like coughing sound. Some patients may also exhibit an inspiratory crowing sound. It is advisable to conduct routine examinations of secretions or other corresponding auxiliary tests for diagnosis.

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Written by Wu Ben Rong
Pediatrics
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Can you still get infected with whooping cough after recovery?

If whooping cough has been cured, generally, it won’t infect a person again. However, clinically, a small number of patients might get infected again due to weak immunity, though such cases are relatively rare. Whooping cough is caused by an infection with Bordetella pertussis and is an acute respiratory infectious disease. The source of infection in whooping cough is the patient themselves, and the disease can spread through airborne droplets. Most people who contract this disease will develop corresponding antibodies, so generally, they will not get infected again after recovery. However, some patients with weak constitutions and low immunity might not develop sufficient antibodies after the initial infection, which can potentially lead to a reinfection.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Does whooping cough require isolation?

Pertussis, this contagious disease, once diagnosed, requires isolation to prevent infection to healthy children or even adults with low immunity. It is necessary to provide an isolated room for the child, and attention should be paid to indoor ventilation, appropriate temperature, frequent cleaning and sunning of clothes and bedding, ensuring adequate and good sleep, and maintaining clean, ventilated air indoors. Dietary adjustments should also be made, avoiding too cold, spicy, or acidic foods. Timely selection of sensitive antibacterial drugs and cough suppressants can help alleviate symptoms of coughing and wheezing.