What is Whooping Cough (Pertussis)?

Whooping cough, called pertussis, is a bacterial infection that spreads easily and primarily targets the respiratory system. It's caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Whooping cough gives people severe coughing fits, sometimes with a "whooping" sound when they try to breathe in after coughing. It's especially risky for babies, young kids, and people with weak immune systems.

Types of Whooping Cough (Pertussis):

There aren't distinct types of whooping cough, but it does have different stages, which include the following:

Catarrhal stage : During this first stage, you might notice symptoms similar to a regular cold, including a runny nose, sneezing, mild fever, and a slight cough.

The paroxysmal stage is the most distinctive phase, marked by severe and uncontrollable coughing fits. A high-pitched "whoop" sound often follows these fits as the person tries to inhale. However, not everyone with pertussis experiences the "whoop."

Convalescent stage : In this stage, the severity of coughing fits decreases, and the person begins to recover. The risk of complications also lessens.

When to See a Doctor for Whooping Cough (Pertussis):

If you or your child experience severe coughing fits, especially with a "whooping" sound during inhalation.

Infants, pregnant individuals, and those with compromised immune systems should promptly seek medical attention.

Causes of Whooping Cough (Pertussis):

Bacterium : The primary cause of whooping cough is the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.

Airborne Transmission : The bacteria travel through tiny droplets in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

Highly Contagious : Pertussis is highly contagious; even a few bacteria can cause infection.

Direct Contact : Close contact with an infected person increases the likelihood of transmission.

Inhalation : The bacteria enter the respiratory system when a person inhales contaminated droplets.

Infectious Stages : A person with pertussis is most contagious during the early stages of the illness when cold-like symptoms are present and throughout the paroxysmal stage (severe coughing fits).

Incubation Period : Once exposed to the bacteria, symptoms usually show up within 7 to 10 days. However, symptoms can appear anywhere between 5 to 21 days after exposure.

Risk Factors for Whooping Cough (Pertussis):

Age : Infants and young children are at higher risk due to their immature immune systems.

Vaccination Status : Individuals with incomplete or outdated vaccinations are more susceptible to infection.

Exposure : Close contact with an infected person increases the risk of contracting the disease.

Weakened Immune System : Those employed in healthcare settings or who come into contact with medical environments might be more likely to be exposed to contagious illnesses like pertussis.

Pregnant Women : Pregnant women can experience more severe symptoms and complications, and there is a risk of transmission to their newborns.

Healthcare Settings : Individuals employed in healthcare settings or frequently encountering medical environments are at a heightened risk of contracting contagious diseases like pertussis.

Community Outbreaks : During pertussis outbreaks in a community, the risk of exposure and transmission increases for everyone in that area.

Travel : Traveling to areas where whooping cough is prevalent can increase the risk of exposure to the bacterium.

Household Size : Individuals living in larger households or crowded conditions may be at a higher risk due to increased close contact and easier transmission.

Non-immunized Contacts : Contacting individuals who are not vaccinated increases the risk, especially for those who cannot receive vaccinations themselves.

Complications of Whooping Cough (Pertussis):

Pneumonia : Bacterial infection can lead to pneumonia, a severe lung infection that can cause fever, difficulty breathing, and further respiratory distress.

Ear Infections : Frequent coughing can lead to ear infections, which can be particularly common in young children and may require medical intervention.

Dehydration : Severe and prolonged coughing fits, especially in infants and children, can lead to dehydration due to fluid loss.

Weight Loss : Frequent coughing, difficulty eating, and other symptoms can lead to weight loss, especially in infants.

Seizures : Coughing can become so severe that they trigger seizures, particularly in infants and young children.

Hernias : The strain caused by intense coughing can develop hernias in vulnerable areas, such as the abdominal wall.

Rib Fractures : In severe cases, the force of coughing may cause rib fractures or other injuries.

Prevention of Whooping Cough (Pertussis):

Vaccination with DTaP for infants and children and Tdap for adolescents and adults.

Vaccination protects individuals and reduces disease spread in the community.

Diagnosis of Whooping Cough (Pertussis):

Clinical symptoms, physical examination, and medical history contribute to the diagnosis.

Laboratory tests like nasal swabs or blood tests confirm Bordetella pertussis presence.

Treatment of Whooping Cough (Pertussis):

Antibiotics : Antibiotics like azithromycin, clarithromycin, or erythromycin are often prescribed to:

Lessen the intensity and length of symptoms, mainly if treatment is initiated early in the illness.

Prevent the spread of the infection to others.

Isolation : Isolate the affected individual to prevent the spreading of the disease, especially to those at higher risk.

Hospitalization : Severe cases, particularly in infants and young children, may require hospitalization for monitoring and treatment.

Supportive Care : Provide supportive care to manage symptoms and complications:

Hydration : Encourage fluids to prevent dehydration, especially in children.

Nutrition : Ensure a balanced diet to support recovery.

Rest : Get plenty of rest to aid the healing process.

Cough Management : Manage coughing fits without using cough suppressants:

Humidifiers : Use humidifiers to moisten the air and alleviate coughing.

Small, Frequent Meals : Offer smaller, more frequent meals to reduce the risk of vomiting.

Upright Position : Encourage sitting upright during coughing fits to ease breathing.

Oxygen Therapy : In severe cases, oxygen therapy might be necessary to maintain adequate oxygen levels.

Monitor Complications : Regularly monitor for complications such as pneumonia, ear infections, and dehydration

Lifestyle and Self-Care for Whooping Cough (Pertussis):

Rest : Get plenty of rest to support the body's healing process and conserve energy.

Hydration : Stay well-hydrated by consuming ample fluids like water, clear soups, and herbal teas to prevent dehydration from coughing and fever.

Nutrition : Consume a well-rounded diet filled with vitamins and nutrients to strengthen the immune system and support recovery.

Humidified Air : Use a humidifier in the room to keep the air moist, which can help ease coughing and soothe the airways.

Avoid Irritants : Avoid smoke, strong odours, and other irritants that could trigger or worsen coughing.

Upright Position : Sit or sleep in an excellent position to ease breathing and reduce the frequency of coughing fits.

Loose Clothing : Wear flexible and comfortable clothing to avoid putting additional pressure on the chest.

Cover Mouth and Nose : When you cough or sneeze, use tissues or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose. This helps prevent the spread of droplets.

Stay Isolated : If you have pertussis, minimize contact with others, especially vulnerable individuals, to prevent transmission.

Limit Activities : Reduce physical activities and avoid situations that could trigger coughing fits or worsen symptoms.

Monitor Symptoms : Keep track of your symptoms, especially any changes in coughing patterns or the appearance of complications.

Follow Medical Advice : Adhere to the treatment plan your healthcare provider prescribes.

Seek Medical Attention : If symptoms worsen or you experience severe breathing difficulties, seek medical help immediately.

Do's and Don'ts for Whooping Cough (Pertussis):

Care at Medicover:

At Medicover, our experienced specialists excel in assisting with Whooping Cough, a condition primarily affecting children. Using advanced techniques and technology, they accurately diagnose and treat heart conditions. Our caring and dedicated team collaborates closely with patients and their families, ensuring vigilant monitoring and delivering effective treatment. This proactive approach contributes to quicker and more successful recoveries, setting us apart as a leading healthcare provider.