Whooping Cough

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a very contagious illness that affects the lungs and airways. It's easily spread from person to person. A key symptom is a strong, forceful coughing fit, often followed by a sharp, high-pitched sound as the person tries to breathe in, which sounds like a "whoop."

In the past, whooping cough was mainly a disease of children. However, today, it mostly affects young children who haven't had all their recommended shots, as well as teens and adults whose protection from the illness has weakened over time.

While deaths from whooping cough are uncommon, they happen most often in babies. This is why getting vaccinated against pertussis is very important for pregnant women and anyone else who will be around a newborn or very young child. Their protection helps to shield the vulnerable infants.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, typically shows its first signs 7 to 10 days after infection, although it can sometimes take longer. Initially, the symptoms are mild and similar to a common cold. You might notice:

• A runny nose
• A stuffy nose
• Red, watery eyes
• A fever
• A cough

Over a week or two, these symptoms often get worse. Thick mucus builds up in the airways, leading to uncontrollable coughing fits. These severe coughing episodes can be very uncomfortable and may:

• Cause you to vomit
• Make your face turn red or blue
• Leave you feeling extremely tired
• End with a loud, high-pitched "whooping" sound as you take your next breath.

Important Note: Not everyone who has whooping cough will have the classic "whoop." In some adults and teenagers, the only sign might be a persistent, harsh cough.

Babies and young infants might not cough at all. Instead, they might have trouble breathing, or even stop breathing for short periods. This is a serious concern and requires immediate medical attention.

See a doctor right away if a persistent cough causes:

• Throwing up: If your cough is so strong it makes you vomit, it's a sign something might be wrong.
• Turning blue or red: A change in skin color during a cough can indicate a serious breathing problem. This is an emergency.
• Trouble breathing: If you or your child are having a hard time breathing, or seem to stop breathing for a moment, get medical help immediately. This could be a sign of a serious respiratory issue.
• A whooping sound when breathing in: A whooping sound when inhaling (called stridor) during a cough is a strong sign that something is blocking the airways. This is an emergency.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a contagious illness caused by a germ called Bordetella pertussis. This germ spreads when someone who has whooping cough coughs or sneezes. Tiny droplets carrying the bacteria are released into the air. If someone nearby breathes in these droplets, they can get infected.

The whooping cough vaccine, given when you're a child, doesn't last forever. This means many teenagers and adults can get whooping cough if there's an outbreak, and outbreaks do happen from time to time.

Babies under a year old, who haven't gotten all their recommended whooping cough vaccines, are at the greatest risk of getting very sick or even dying from whooping cough.

Many teenagers and adults recover from whooping cough without any serious issues. However, if complications arise, they are usually related to the intense coughing. These complications can include:

• Rib injuries: The forceful coughing can bruise or even break ribs.
• Belly problems: The coughing can sometimes cause a weakness or tear in the abdominal wall, leading to a hernia.
• Eye and skin damage: The coughing can strain blood vessels, causing them to break, leading to bruising or bleeding under the skin, including the whites of the eyes.

Protecting babies and children from whooping cough is best done with a special vaccine. This vaccine is often given alongside shots for diphtheria and tetanus, two other serious illnesses. Doctors recommend starting these shots early in a baby's life.

The whooping cough vaccine is given in a series of five shots. These shots are usually given at these ages:

• 2 months old
• 4 months old
• 6 months old
• Between 15 and 18 months old
• Between 4 and 6 years old

Getting these shots is a very important way to help prevent whooping cough in children. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, can be a very serious illness, especially for young babies. The vaccine helps protect them by building their immunity to the bacteria that cause the disease. It's a safe and effective way to keep children healthy.

Early whooping cough (pertussis) can be tricky to diagnose because its symptoms are similar to other common illnesses like colds, the flu, or bronchitis.

Doctors sometimes can tell if someone has whooping cough just by talking to them about their symptoms and listening to their cough. But, they often need more tests to be sure. These tests might include:

• Swab or suction test of the nose and throat: A doctor takes a small sample from the back of your nose and throat. This sample is checked to see if it contains the bacteria that cause whooping cough.
• Blood test: A sample of your blood is checked for the number of white blood cells. White blood cells help your body fight infections. A higher-than-normal white blood cell count often means your body is fighting an infection, but this test doesn't only mean you have whooping cough. It could be a sign of other infections or inflammation.
• Chest X-ray: If a doctor suspects pneumonia (lung infection) might be present, they might order an X-ray. Pneumonia can sometimes develop alongside whooping cough, along with other respiratory illnesses. The X-ray helps check for any inflammation or fluid buildup in the lungs.

This information is for general knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. If you think you might have whooping cough, it's crucial to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a serious infection, especially for babies. Babies often need to be hospitalized because whooping cough can be more harmful to them. If a baby can't eat or drink enough, they might need fluids given directly into their veins (IV fluids). To stop the spread of the infection, babies are typically kept separate from other people in the hospital.

For older children and adults, whooping cough treatment is often possible at home.

Doctors use antibiotics to kill the bacteria that cause whooping cough. This helps people get better faster. If other family members have been exposed to the infection, they might also be given antibiotics to prevent getting sick.

Unfortunately, there aren't many good ways to relieve the cough itself. Over-the-counter cough medicines usually don't work well against whooping cough and aren't typically recommended. Rest and fluids are important for recovery.

Caring for Someone with Whooping Cough at Home

If you're caring for someone with whooping cough, these tips can help:

Rest and Relaxation: Getting enough sleep is crucial. A comfortable, quiet, and dark bedroom can promote better rest. Make sure the room is a good temperature – not too hot or too cold.

Hydration is Key: Drinking plenty of fluids is important for recovery. Water, juice, and broth-based soups are good choices. It's especially important to watch for signs of dehydration in children. Look for dry lips, crying without tears, and infrequent urination. If you notice these signs, encourage them to drink more fluids.

Eating for Comfort: To avoid vomiting after coughing fits, eat smaller meals more often instead of large ones. Choose foods that are easy to digest.

Clear the Air: Remove any irritants that might trigger coughing spells. This includes things like smoke (from cigarettes or fireplaces) and other strong smells. Make sure the air in your home is clean and fresh.

Preventing Spread: To stop the spread of whooping cough, cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow. Wash your hands frequently. If you need to be around other people, consider wearing a mask to protect them.