Does whooping cough require hospitalization for treatment?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on March 19, 2025
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This particular disease cannot be certain whether hospitalization is needed; it depends on the severity of the disease, the patient's constitution, the duration of the illness, and the body's sensitivity to the pathogens. If it is just mild paroxysmal spasmodic coughing without persistent high fever, breathing difficulty, or hypoxia, hospitalization is generally not necessary. Treatment can be managed at home with oral medication or nebulized inhalation for symptomatic treatment. The main principle is to eradicate the Bordetella pertussis bacteria.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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How long does it usually take for the blood picture of pertussis to come down when it's too high?

Whooping cough is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis infection, commonly seen in children. The main clinical symptoms include typical paroxysmal spasmodic cough, crowing inspiratory whoop, with the cough being more prominent at night. In the peripheral blood, there will be a marked increase in white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, and lymphocyte classification. After a confirmed diagnosis of whooping cough, macrolide antibiotics are administered. After a week of aggressive treatment, the blood count typically decreases significantly.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What causes whooping cough?

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a respiratory infectious disease primarily caused by the Bordetella pertussis or Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria. It is contagious and has a prolonged course, often leading to paroxysmal spasmodic coughing. It is commonly seen in infants and spreads through airborne droplets and close contact. The disease is generally prevented through vaccination. It has been included in the national free vaccination program, with babies receiving injections at three, four, and five months of age as part of their basic immunization, followed by a booster shot after the age of two. Once antibodies are produced, they can effectively prevent the disease.

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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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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 Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Is whooping cough very harmful?

Pertussis belongs to infectious diseases and certainly poses some risk to health, with the degree of harm varying greatly from person to person. Typical symptoms include paroxysmal, barking coughs, fever, and runny nose. Some may also exhibit cyanosis (bluish hue to lips) and signs of hypoxia. Coughing can also lead to runny nose, teary eyes, and even convulsions, nausea, and vomiting. Some patients may present with an inspiratory crowing sound. Treatment involves anti-inflammatory measures based on the number of infectious pathogens and specific symptoms, and isolation precautions should be taken to prevent the infection from spreading to other children.