Whooping cough is not just an ordinary cough- it’s a highly contagious respiratory infection that can last for weeks and spread quickly.
Also called pertussis, this highly contagious infection can affect anyone, but young children and infants are most at risk.
Knowledge of the pertussis cough, as well as the signs and ways of addressing it, is necessary to guarantee care and the prevention of complications.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the symptoms, causes, and essential prevention strategies to keep your loved ones safe.
What is Whooping Cough Caused By?
Bordetella pertussis causes this cough. This is a bacterium that affects the lining of the respiratory tract and causes the secretion of toxins that irritate and destroy the airway, resulting in severe fits of coughing.
Pertussis whooping cough can be transmitted from person to person through sneezing or coughing by an infected person, together with airborne droplets.
Recognising Whooping Cough Symptoms
The whooping cough symptoms are usually the same as those of an ordinary common cold and do not exactly cause alarm in the initial stages.
Nonetheless, in the course of 1-2 weeks, the symptoms worsen and develop. These are some of the important steps and signs to look out for:
Stage 1 (Catarrhal stage):
- Mild coughing
- Runny nose
- Low-grade fever
- Sneezing
- Fatigue
Stage 2 (Paroxysmal stage):
- Coughing so violent that a strong note of pitching or whooping voice succeeds it.
- Cough followed by vomiting.
- Fatigue during and following bouts of coughing.
- Oxygen deficiency is due to the bluish colour around the lips (cyanosis).
Stage 3 (Convalescent stage):
- Coughing or the cough is reduced in occurrence.
- Recovery stage, which can extend to weeks or even months
The whooping cough symptoms in infants will not necessarily include the typical “whoop” sound, although breathing pauses (apnea) and difficulty during feeding are two possible warning signs.
When Should You See a Doctor?
You should go to the doctor immediately, particularly in case of:
- Fits of coughing, violent and long-continued.
- Difficulty in breathing or a cyanotic colouring about the lips.
- Coughing is followed by vomiting.
- Coughing lasts more than two weeks.
- A baby is always accompanied by a continuous cough or hiccups in breathing.
When diagnosed and addressed promptly, whooping cough disease can be prevented, but it can cause complications, including pneumonia, seizures, or even brain damage when it affects individuals, especially the young or older adults, who are more susceptible.
Treatment for Whooping Cough
Even though there is no immediate cure for whooping cough, early treatment may greatly lessen the severity of the illness and the length of symptoms. This is what treatment generally includes:
1. Antibiotics
Antibiotics like azithromycin or erythromycin can be prescribed to get rid of the bacteria of the pertussis disease in the body. They can only be effective when administered at an early stage of the disease.
2. Hospitalisation
Babies and people who have severe symptoms can be admitted to the hospital, particularly when there are breathing troubles or dehydration. IV fluids and Oxygen may be available.
3. Home Supportive Care
- Sleep in a peaceful, soothing atmosphere
- To help with breathing, humidified air
- A lot of liquid to keep well-hydrated
- Stay away from cough suppressants unless prescribed by a doctor
Inclusion in the vaccination is also an important prevention. In adults, teens, and children, pertussis whooping cough, can be prevented by the DTaP vaccine in children and the Tdap booster shot in teens and adults.
NOTE: Always consult a qualified healthcare provider if you have concerns about pertussis, do not take any suggested medicines on your own.
Conclusion
Pertussis cough can be worrying for parents, especially when infants are involved. By recognizing the early symptoms, seeking timely medical care, parents and caregivers can protect children from severe complications.
By staying informed and following recommended health guidelines, families can prevent severe illness and keep children safe from this highly contagious infection.
