Pertussis prone age group

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on April 01, 2025
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Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. The main age group affected by this disease are infants and young children, with the highest susceptibility seen in children under five years old, particularly infants younger than one year. The incidence of this disease has significantly decreased due to the widespread implementation of pertussis vaccination. Clinically, the disease is characterized by a cough that gradually worsens, presenting as typical paroxysmal, frequent coughing, and frothy sputum, with a crowing echo in the cough. The course of the disease can last up to three months.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Is nebulization useful for pertussis?

Nebulized inhalation for localized treatment of pertussis can be quite effective. It helps alleviate bronchial smooth muscle spasms and is used for spasmodic coughs, effectively easing cough symptoms as a symptomatic treatment measure. However, it is also necessary to target the infectious pathogens with oral or intravenous macrolide antibiotics for anti-inflammatory treatment. Drinking plenty of water, maintaining suitable indoor temperature and humidity, and having confidence in overcoming the disease are important. Although the course of the disease may be long, complete recovery is possible through proper treatment, so there is no need for excessive worry.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Pertussis Vaccine Precautions

Precautions for receiving the pertussis vaccine include, firstly, going to a formal medical institution for the vaccination. After routine disinfection of the local skin, the vaccine is usually administered subcutaneously. After vaccination, it is necessary to remain at the medical institution for observation for half an hour before leaving. Additionally, avoid taking a bath within twenty-four hours after vaccination, as the vaccination involves a skin incision. If the needle hole has not healed, bathing could cause the bath water or products like shower gel or soap to potentially lead to a secondary bacterial infection at the injection site.

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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 Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Can whooping cough get better without treatment?

Can whooping cough recover without treatment? There is individual variation in clinical cases. If the patient has mild symptoms, it is possible for them to recover on their own without treatment. If the symptoms are more typical, timely anti-inflammatory treatment is necessary; otherwise, it may lead to other complications. If there are no complications and the immune system is normal, natural recovery may also be possible, but the duration of the illness will likely be longer. Treatment decisions should primarily consider the patient's resistance and general physique. From a health perspective, once diagnosed, it is necessary to promptly use macrolide antibiotics to eliminate the Bordetella pertussis bacteria.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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Why is whooping cough milder during the day and worse at night?

Whooping cough is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis infection, commonly seen in children. The main symptoms are paroxysmal spasmodic coughing, a crowing inspiratory noise, with coughing occurring both during the day and at night, more significantly at night. The main reasons are as follows: first, the dry indoor air causes irritation. Second, during the night, the mucus secreted by the bronchial mucosa cannot be expelled from the body, which stimulates the bronchial nerves and triggers worsening cough symptoms. Coughing can also cause redness of the face and ears, runny nose, nausea, and vomiting.