– Whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection. It is caused by a bacterium called Bordetella pertussis.
– It causes repeated coughing bouts that can last for 2 to 3 months or more, and can make babies severely ill.
– The incubation period of whooping cough usually is 7 to 10 days after exposure after which the symptoms are expressed.
– These symptoms include: having a runny nose and a sore throat, low grade fever; and a cough.
– The cough becomes more severe as the infection progresses and is followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like "whoop"; thence the name.
– Exercise, eating, drinking, or crying trigger the coughing bouts.
– The coughing may also cause vomiting, difficulty breathing, and turning blue or grey.
Whooping cough can be prevented by getting vaccinated with the whooping cough vaccine, which is usually given in combination with diphtheria and tetanus vaccines (DTaP or Tdap).
– The vaccine is recommended for infants, children, adolescents, pregnant women, and adults who are in close contact with infants.
– Booster doses after the vaccine are recommended since the vaccine does not guarantee 100% effectiveness.
– Whooping cough can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early to curb the spread of the infection to others. Also, preventive antibiotics are prescribed for family members of infected persons.
Other supportive measures include:
1). Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
2). Using a humidifier or vaporizer to ease breathing.
3). Avoiding irritants such as smoke, dust, or chemicals
4). Taking cough suppressants or expectorants as advised by a doctor.
5). Getting enough rest and sleep.
Complications; if untreated for a prolonged period, may arise. These include:
1). Severe weight loss.
2). Dehydration.
3). Increased risk of pneumonia attack.
4). Rib fractures due to severe cough.
5). Sleeplessness.
6). Seizures.
7). Brain damage.
#NOTE:
– Medical attention is crucial if you or your child have symptoms of whooping cough or have been exposed to someone with whooping cough.
