Treatment methods for pertussis in children

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on February 25, 2025
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The treatment methods for pertussis in children mainly involve anti-inflammatory processes, along with etiological treatment. Pertussis in children typically requires the selection of antimicrobial drugs to eradicate Bordetella pertussis. Clinically, macrolide antibiotics are primarily chosen, such as erythromycin, azithromycin, or clarithromycin. Also, depending on the nature of the cough, some central antitussive agents or cough and phlegm relieving drugs can be used to alleviate the symptoms of cough. Additionally, in the acute phase of inflammation where fever is present, antipyretic analgesics should be taken for symptomatic treatment. (Medication use should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What are the symptoms of pertussis encephalopathy?

Pertussis encephalopathy typically presents with persistent high fever, projectile vomiting, nausea, and severe headaches, which are indicators of increased intracranial pressure. It is necessary to conduct timely auxiliary examinations such as cerebrospinal fluid tests and cranial MRI for diagnosis. In conjunction with clinical symptoms, medications to alleviate cerebral edema and reduce intracranial pressure should be chosen for symptomatic treatment. Typically, corticosteroids are needed during the acute phase, along with mannitol, sedatives, and other symptomatic treatments. Additionally, antibiotics should be used to eliminate the Bordetella pertussis bacterium, the pathogen responsible for the condition.

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Written by Wu Ben Rong
Pediatrics
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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.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Can whooping cough be vaccinated against?

Pertussis can be prevented with a vaccination and is a type of respiratory infectious disease. The main clinical preventive measure is vaccination, specifically with the DTP vaccine, which is a national Category I vaccine and part of basic immunization. The first dose should be administered when the baby is three months old. The DTP vaccine prevents not only pertussis but also diphtheria and tetanus infections. The complete course consists of three injections, with the second and third doses administered in the fourth month and between the fourth and fifth months, respectively.

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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.