Is whooping cough without the crowing sound getting better?

Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
Updated on November 30, 2024
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Pertussis without a crowing sound indicates recovery. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is an acute respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis, commonly seen in children. The progression of pertussis can be divided into three stages: The first stage is the catarrhal stage, also known as the pre-paroxysmal stage. At the early stage, the child shows symptoms similar to the common cold, followed by worsening cough. If the condition is not effectively controlled during this stage, It then progresses to the second stage, the paroxysmal stage. During the paroxysmal stage, the child exhibits characteristic episodic spasmodic coughing and crowing inhalation sounds. This period can last up to two months. Finally, it moves into the recovery stage. In the recovery stage, the frequency and severity of the episodic spasmodic cough and crowing inhalation sounds gradually alleviate. Thus, the absence of a crowing sound in whooping cough is an indication of approaching recovery.

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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 Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Is whooping cough contagious?

Whooping cough is a contagious disease, and principally transmitted from person to person. Currently, an effective way to prevent this disease is by vaccination with the DTaP vaccine. The name "whooping cough" does not mean the cough lasts for a hundred days; this is just a colloquial expression referring to its prolonged duration. The primary symptoms of this disease include severe, spasmodic coughing, during which the patient may exhibit redness in the face and ears, a runny nose, and even nausea and vomiting. Additional symptoms can include cyanosis of the lips and choking. In severe cases, it can cause whole-body convulsions leading to ischemic and hypoxic encephalopathy. Once diagnosed, it is crucial to promptly treat with antibiotics and medications that relieve bronchial smooth muscle spasms. During the acute phase, corticosteroids may also be used in treatment.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What is whooping cough?

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. It primarily infects infants under the age of five, leading to distinctive coughing fits that are paroxysmal and may also include a barking cough or a crowing sound during inhalation. Some may also experience redness of the face and ears, runny nose, teary eyes, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting as complications. Upon observing these typical symptoms, it is advised to visit a hospital for appropriate diagnostic tests and timely symptomatic treatment, along with maintaining adequate hydration and keeping the indoor temperature comfortable.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How is whooping cough diagnosed?

If the body has chronic cough symptoms that do not heal over time and recur frequently, it is suspicious of pertussis infection. To confirm this disease, corresponding auxiliary examinations are needed, such as a complete blood count and sputum culture. If Bordetella pertussis or Corynebacterium diphtheriae are cultured from the sputum, a diagnosis can be made. It is also necessary to combine clinical symptoms and promptly use sensitive antibiotics and cough-relieving expectorant drugs for symptomatic treatment, adjusting the mindset to avoid mental tension.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Does whooping cough cause a runny nose?

In the early stages of whooping cough, also known as the incubation period, symptoms similar to those of a cold can occur, including runny nose, sneezing, mild fever, and an irritating dry cough. If the disease progresses for two to four weeks, it typically presents with episodes of spasmodic, convulsive coughing, characterized by a notable change in the sound of the cough. Some children might exhibit a bark-like cough or a crowing-like cough. Accompanying symptoms can include redness of the face and ears, tearing, more runny nose, as well as signs of oxygen deprivation such as nausea, vomiting, and cyanosis of the lips. It is advisable to further conduct pathogen culture to confirm the diagnosis and initiate timely treatment.