Why is whooping cough worse at night?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on May 09, 2025
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One reason why whooping cough is more severe at night is due to the dry air indoors which irritates, and another reason is due to changes in body posture. As the body is in a supine or lateral position during sleep at night, the bronchial mucous secretion cannot be expelled from the body, which stimulates the bronchial nerves and induces symptoms such as coughing. The typical cough is a paroxysmal spasmodic cough, and it can also lead to red face, runny nose, and in severe cases, nasal discharge, tears, nausea, and vomiting. It is necessary to receive timely anti-inflammatory treatment and maintain the cleanliness of the indoor air.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How to Read Pertussis Test Results

The test for whooping cough is to see if there are any pathogens in the body. If it is confirmed that there is Bordetella pertussis, it can be determined that this disease causes spasmodic coughing, which might be prolonged and recurrent. It may also lead to fever, breathing difficulties, cyanosis of the lips, and signs of hypoxia, requiring symptomatic treatment first. At the same time, selecting macrolide antibiotics to kill the Bordetella pertussis, maintaining a good mental attitude, and ensuring that the room temperature and humidity are kept at appropriate levels are important. Attention should also be paid to the disinfection of the air. Additionally, as it is a communicable disease, isolation treatment is recommended to prevent cross-infection. It is important to adjust your mental attitude, follow the course of medication, and have regular check-ups.

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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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What is the pertussis vaccine?

The pertussis vaccine we currently administer is a combination vaccine that primarily includes diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus, commonly referred to as the DTP vaccine. It is generally administered for the first time when a baby is three months old, the second dose at four months of age, and the third dose at five months. A booster vaccine is given again when the child is one and a half to two years old to produce antibodies that can effectively prevent pertussis, a respiratory infectious disease. It is important to detect early, vaccinate in a timely manner, and prevent early.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Pertussis transmission routes

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a contagious respiratory disease often seen in children. It is typically caused by infection with the Bordetella pertussis or Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria, and is mainly transmitted through airborne droplets and close contact with infected individuals. It has a strong contagion potential, with contagiousness becoming significant about two to three weeks from the incubation period to the onset of symptoms. Once diagnosed, it is crucial to isolate the patient promptly and administer medications to alleviate discomfort. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through the cultivation of the pathogen. Treatment includes medications to thin the mucus, isolation of the infectious source, and the use of macrolide antibiotics like erythromycin or azithromycin to manage inflammation during the acute phase.

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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.