Whooping Cough, Pertussis

Whooping cough (Whooping Cough, Pertussis) is an acute infectious disease resulting from infection of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract by bacteria of the species Bordetella pertussis; occurs mainly in children. After an incubation period of 1-2 weeks, catarrh of the upper respiratory tract develops, the temperature rises slightly, a cough appears and appetite disappears; these symptoms appear gradually over the next 1-2 weeks.

The cough soon becomes paroxysmal: several short coughing impulses are followed by an involuntary inhalation, accompanied by a characteristic whistling sound. After a coughing attack, bleeding from the nose or mouth, as well as vomiting, may develop. Symptoms of the disease persist in the child for another two weeks; all this time he continues to remain infectious to others.

Over the next 2-3 weeks, the symptoms of the disease begin to gradually weaken, but the cough may persist for several more weeks. Whooping cough rarely occurs in a serious form, and only in some cases can it be complicated by pneumonia.

The introduction of an appropriate vaccine (usually a combined DTP vaccine) can reduce the likelihood of a child developing this disease and the intensity of its symptoms. After suffering from a disease, a person develops a strong immunity to it.

Medical name: whooping cough (pertussis).

Whooping Cough (Pertussis): Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Whooping cough, also known as whooping cough or pertussis, is an acute infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It most often occurs in children, and is characterized by paroxysmal coughing, accompanied by a characteristic whistling sound when inhaling.

After an incubation period, which usually lasts about 1-2 weeks, the catarrhal period of the disease begins. During this period, children may experience a slight fever, cough and loss of appetite. Symptoms gradually worsen over the next 1-2 weeks.

One of the most characteristic symptoms of whooping cough is a paroxysmal cough. After several short coughing impulses, an involuntary inhalation follows, which is accompanied by a characteristic whistling sound similar to whooping cough. This cough can be severe and last for several weeks. During coughing attacks, children may experience difficulty breathing, paleness, and in some cases even bleeding from the nose or mouth. The cough may be so intense that it causes vomiting.

Symptoms of whooping cough can persist in a child for two weeks, during which time he remains infectious to others. Symptoms then begin to gradually subside, but the cough may continue for several weeks. In most cases, whooping cough is not serious and goes away on its own over time, but in some cases complications such as pneumonia can occur.

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent whooping cough. Typically a combination vaccine is used, such as the DTP vaccine, which also prevents diphtheria and tetanus. Vaccination is carried out in childhood in several stages. It helps reduce the risk of disease and alleviates the severity of symptoms when infection occurs.

After suffering from whooping cough, a person usually develops a strong immunity to this disease. However, immunity can weaken over time, so regular vaccination updates are recommended to maintain protection.

Overall, whooping cough is a serious illness, especially for infants and young children. Early consultation with a doctor, diagnosis and appropriate treatment help prevent complications and promote a quick recovery. If your child has symptoms of whooping cough, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

In addition to vaccination, basic measures to prevent whooping cough include the following:

1. Immunization: Regular vaccinations as recommended by medical organizations and doctors helps prevent the disease and spread of whooping cough. Check your immunization status and make sure all your or your child's immunizations are up to date.

2. Hand hygiene: Regular hand washing with soap and water or using hand sanitizer helps reduce the risk of infection transmission. Teach children proper hand washing techniques and encourage them to practice good hygiene.

3. Isolation: If your child is diagnosed with whooping cough, it is important to limit his contact with other children and adults, especially newborns and those with weakened immune systems. Isolation helps prevent transmission of infection to others.

4. Avoiding contact with people who are sick: If possible, avoid contact with people who have symptoms of cough or other respiratory infections. This will help reduce the risk of contracting whooping cough.

5. Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle: Regularly strengthening the immune system through a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, adequate sleep, physical activity and stress management, helps the body fight off infection.

Whooping cough can be a serious illness, especially for infants and young children. Compliance with preventive measures and timely vaccination will help reduce the risk of disease and limit the spread of infection. If you or your child suspect whooping cough, contact your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

Whooping cough, also known as whooping cough or Pertussis, is an acute infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It most often affects children and can cause serious complications, especially in infants. Whooping cough is characterized by prolonged bouts of coughing, which may be accompanied by a characteristic whistling sound during inspiration.

The incubation period for whooping cough is usually about 1-2 weeks. The first symptoms of the disease may resemble a cold or cough. The upper respiratory tract becomes inflamed, body temperature rises slightly, and appetite worsens. Then a cough appears, which gradually intensifies over 1-2 weeks.

A characteristic symptom of whooping cough is a paroxysmal cough. The attack begins with several short coughing shocks, followed by an involuntary inhalation, accompanied by a whistling sound, hence the name “whooping cough.” After a coughing attack, your child may experience bleeding from the nose or mouth, as well as vomiting. Symptoms of whooping cough usually last for two weeks, during which time the child remains infectious to others.

Over the next 2-3 weeks, whooping cough symptoms gradually subside, but the cough may persist for several more weeks. Although whooping cough is rarely serious, in some cases it can be complicated by pneumonia, which requires medical attention.

The most effective way to prevent whooping cough is to get the appropriate vaccine. Typically a combination vaccine is used, such as the DTP vaccine, which also protects against diphtheria and tetanus. Vaccination can reduce the likelihood of contracting whooping cough and reduce the severity of its symptoms. The vaccine is recommended for all children in accordance with the recommendations of vaccination programs.

It is important to note that after suffering from whooping cough, a person develops a strong immunity to this disease. However, this immunity may wane over time, so regular vaccination is recommended to maintain protection.

In conclusion, whooping cough is a serious infectious disease that most often affects children. It is manifested by prolonged bouts of coughing, accompanied by a whistling sound during inspiration. Vaccination is the main way to prevent whooping cough and reduce its severity. Regular vaccination of children is recommended as per medical guidelines to protect them from this dangerous disease.