Subscribe
Whooping cough
Manifestations of the convalescent period of pertussis
The manifestations of the recovery phase of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, include a gradual reduction and alleviation of symptoms. The frequency and number of paroxysmal, spasm-like coughing attacks will progressively decrease and may even disappear completely. It's important to adjust your mindset and correctly understand the situation. Regarding diet during the recovery period, it's also advisable to avoid overly greasy, sweet, or spicy foods and consume more light, soft, and easily digestible foods. Medication should be chosen according to the treatment course, and regardless of whether the symptoms have completely alleviated, regular follow-up checks should be conducted after one treatment course.
What is whooping cough?
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a respiratory infectious disease mainly caused by Bordetella pertussis infection, leading to respiratory infection symptoms. Clinically, it is characterized by irritating coughing. Due to the long duration of the disease, it is called pertussis. If symptoms of persistent coughing not improving are accompanied by muscle soreness and fever, checking the routine of secretions can be considered. If diagnosed with a Bordetella pertussis infection, oral or intravenous macrolide antibiotics can be used for anti-inflammatory treatment and symptomatic management. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on the specific situation.)
How long is the contagious period of whooping cough?
The contagious period for whooping cough typically requires about 20-40 days and should be determined based on the amount of Bordetella pertussis bacteria in the body and the patient's constitution. Being a respiratory infectious disease, it spreads through the patient's coughs, sneezes, and discharge of secretions. If a person with a weak constitution and no antibodies comes into contact with the pathogen, healthy individuals might become infected and develop the disease, which is most commonly seen in infants under five years old. Thus, prevention is crucial for this disease. Vaccination should be administered at three months of age, and after antibodies are produced, reinfection generally does not occur.
Is the pertussis vaccine necessary?
The pertussis vaccine is a type of vaccine that must be administered, so it is essential to get it. Generally, the first dose is given when a baby is three months old, with the second and third doses administered at four and five months, respectively, completing one course of treatment. Between one and a half to two years old, a booster shot can be administered. If effective antibodies are produced, it can prevent pertussis. Clinically, this vaccine is mostly a combination vaccine that can prevent three diseases: diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus.
How long does it take to cure whooping cough?
Whooping cough can generally be cured in about 10-20 days with timely treatment. This disease is a respiratory infectious disease that causes severe, spasmodic, paroxysmal coughing, as well as a barking cough, and a crowing sound when inhaling, commonly seen in babies under five years old. Therefore, children should be vaccinated against whooping cough in time to prevent this infectious disease. The treatment of this disease should involve macrolide antibiotics or cephalosporin antibiotics to kill the pathogen, which is either Corynebacterium diphtheriae or Bordetella pertussis.
What should I do if pertussis recurs a second time?
After recovering from whooping cough, patients usually produce antibodies in their bodies, so recurrences are rare. However, some patients may have weak constitutions, low immunity, and poor resistance. If they do not generate enough antibodies after being sick, they may get infected again when exposed to someone with whooping cough, leading to a second onset of the disease. If whooping cough recurs, the treatment plan is exactly the same as for the first occurrence, but patients should focus on boosting their immune system and resistance during treatment. In daily life, it is beneficial to eat foods rich in high-quality proteins and vitamins and to persist in physical exercise regularly.
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.
How to treat recurrent pertussis?
For recurrent whooping cough, it is crucial to promptly and adequately select sensitive antimicrobial drugs according to the treatment course. Generally, macrolide antibiotics or amide antibiotics can be used for anti-inflammatory treatment. Also, drink more water and avoid overly spicy, greasy foods. If the patient is weak and has low immunity, transfer factors or splenopentin can be chosen to enhance the body's passive immunity. Regular outdoor exercise should be engaged in, and the diet should be nutritionally balanced with less snacking and more consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits.
Can whooping cough be cured?
Whooping cough can be cured. First, it is important to have a correct understanding, avoid mental tension, and not be under too much mental stress. This disease is a respiratory infectious disease and predominantly occurs in children under five years old, with a high occurrence rate in the autumn and winter seasons. The main typical symptoms include paroxysmal, cluster-like coughing. The early stages of the disease resemble common cold symptoms, with occurrences like runny nose, sneezing, and tearing up. Generally, after about a week, rapid, paroxysmal coughing occurs, and some coughs may sound like a dog barking, also known as a bark-like cough.
Whooping cough occurs in children of what age?
Pertussis is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis infection, mainly characterized by paroxysmal spasmodic coughing, crowing inspiratory stridor, and the coughing often occurs at night. Pertussis can occur in both adults and children, but is more common in children. Children under the age of five are the most susceptible, especially infants who have not been vaccinated against pertussis. Children are generally vaccinated with the primary prophylaxis at the age of three to five months, receive a booster at 18-24 months, and another booster at the age of six. If pertussis occurs in adults, the condition is milder and the course of the disease is shorter.