What is good to eat for whooping cough?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 28, 2024
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If the body is suffering from whooping cough, in terms of diet, one should eat more fruits such as pears, grapes, watermelons, oranges, and grapefruits. Drinking honey water can also help alleviate symptoms such as coughing and thinning mucus. At the same time, one should choose macrolide antibiotics, as well as medications that thin mucus and relieve bronchial smooth muscle spasms for symptomatic treatment. It is important to adjust one’s mindset, avoid mental stress, follow the treatment course in choosing medications, and it is possible to gradually recover. During the treatment period, maintain the cleanliness of the indoor air, drink plenty of water, and avoid eating spicy foods and snacks.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Where to get tested for whooping cough

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a prevalent infectious respiratory disease in children. If the disease is suspected, one can visit a nearby public hospital for a physical examination. Tests can include a complete blood count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, as well as a sputum culture to identify pathogens such as Corynebacterium diphtheriae and Bordetella pertussis for diagnosis. Typical symptoms include a cough resembling a dog's bark or a crowing sound. Prompt treatment with macrolide antibiotics and cough suppressants and expectorants is necessary to alleviate discomfort.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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Is whooping cough without the crowing sound getting better?

Pertussis without a crowing sound indicates recovery. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is an acute respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis, commonly seen in children. The progression of pertussis can be divided into three stages: The first stage is the catarrhal stage, also known as the pre-paroxysmal stage. At the early stage, the child shows symptoms similar to the common cold, followed by worsening cough. If the condition is not effectively controlled during this stage, It then progresses to the second stage, the paroxysmal stage. During the paroxysmal stage, the child exhibits characteristic episodic spasmodic coughing and crowing inhalation sounds. This period can last up to two months. Finally, it moves into the recovery stage. In the recovery stage, the frequency and severity of the episodic spasmodic cough and crowing inhalation sounds gradually alleviate. Thus, the absence of a crowing sound in whooping cough is an indication of approaching recovery.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
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What does "one hundred days" in whooping cough refer to?

The clinical term "whooping cough" is so named because the term "hundred days" refers to the duration of the cough, symbolizing that the cough lasts a long time, the disease course is prolonged, and it tends to recur. It doesn’t necessarily mean that one will cough for exactly one hundred days. One should relax and have the correct understanding. For treating such diseases, sensitive antibiotics should be used promptly, along with symptomatic treatment. Blood tests such as a complete blood count and C-reactive protein should be conducted, along with chest X-ray, and sputum pathogen culture for definitive diagnosis, to ensure early detection and treatment.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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How to determine whether it is the paroxysmal stage or the recovery stage of pertussis?

After the incubation period, typical whooping cough goes through three clinical stages. The first stage is the catarrhal stage, also called the pre-paroxysmal stage, during which the infectivity is the strongest. If treated promptly during this stage, the progress of the disease can be controlled. If the catarrhal stage is not effectively controlled, it then enters the paroxysmal stage. During the paroxysmal stage, the patient will experience episodic spasmodic coughing, with more severe episodes at night. During spasms, there will be neck vein distension, swollen and congested eyelids and face, and cyanosis of the lips. This stage can last up to two months. After the paroxysmal stage follows the convalescent stage, where the episodic spasmodic coughing gradually decreases and becomes less severe.

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Treatment methods for pertussis

For the treatment of whooping cough, the first step should be to drink plenty of water and maintain a suitable indoor temperature and humidity. In terms of medication, it is necessary to choose macrolide antibiotics and adhere to an inflammatory treatment course. Clinically common drugs include erythromycin, roxithromycin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, etc., and generally, medication is required for at least about ten days. At the same time, it is recommended to use antitussive and expectorant drugs. If there are symptoms of breathing difficulty, oxygen inhalation can also be administered. There are many expectorant drugs clinically available, such as carbocisteine or She Dan Chuan Bei liquid, ambroxol oral solution, etc., all of which can serve the function of suppressing coughs and expelling phlegm.