Whooping cough, or pertussis, is an acute respiratory infection caused by the bordetella pertussis bacteria. In oriental medicine, it is called a 100-day cough, as the cough takes time to pass and this is the most common symptom. The disease is contagious, so prevention is needed and highly encouraged through vaccination. There has been an increase in cases in recent years in several countries, and it is also considered a recurrent disease.
Contamination occurs through direct contact with the infected person or by droplets that are emitted by the infected person when coughing, sneezing, or talking. The infection can happen at any time of the year and at any stage of life, but mainly in children under two years old.
What are the symptoms of pertussis?
- Catarrh
- A lot of coryza
- Conjunctivitis with watery eyes
- Low fever
- Dry cough with a distinct sound
- Vomiting after a coughing episode
- Convalescence (duration 1 to 6 weeks)
There is an incubation period that varies between 7 and 17 days. Symptoms last for about 6 weeks and can be divided into three consecutive stages;
- Catarrhal stage (may last up to two weeks): low fever, runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, lack of appetite, malaise, night cough, all symptoms that, at this stage, can be confused with those of the flu and common colds;
- Paroxysmal stage (from the second week onwards): episodes of uncontrollable cough. Despite being short-lived, it is one cough after another, without having time to breathe.
- Convalescence stage: in general, after the fourth week, the symptoms will subside until, eventually, disappearing.
And the treatment?
The treatment is antimicrobial to kill the pertussis bacteria, done at home, but with medical supervision. However, it is good to know that it does not decrease the duration of symptoms. But it works to cure and reduce contagion. Hospitalization is only necessary when there are complications. In addition:
- In some cases, ventilatory support during hospitalization may be necessary;
- Co-infection treatment – concomitant infection can occur, due to the weakened immune system.
- Corticosteroids (anti-inflammatory) and antihistamines if there is no improvement.
Is there an age group that is most at risk if infected?
Babies are at increased risk of getting the infection. Mainly, those who did not take at least three doses of the pentavalent vaccine. In newborns, the diseases are usually more serious, as they have not yet received the first dose of the vaccine. In 70% of the cases that are fatal from pertussis, the victims are newborns.
Recommendations
After receiving the diagnosis, here are some necessary precautions:
- The patient with pertussis needs to be in respiratory isolation during the transmission of the disease.
- In addition to isolation, the infected person needs to stay in an airy, well-ventilated place.
- It is necessary to drink fluids frequently to avoid dehydration, and to eat light meals, and in small amounts.
- Kitchen utensils and personal hygiene items must be separated from the rest of the house and not shared.
- People living with an infected person should get the pertussis vaccine immediatly.
