Does whooping cough cause diarrhea?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 22, 2024
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Mild cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, generally do not cause diarrhea. Diarrhea is a symptom of the gastrointestinal tract, whereas whooping cough is a contagious respiratory disease caused by a common bacterial infection. It can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, nasal discharge, and tearing due to coughing. The typical symptoms include a cough that sounds like a bark or a crowing sound during inhalation. The main treatment principle is symptomatic treatment, thinning the mucus, and relieving bronchial smooth muscle spasms. During the acute phase, macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin or azithromycin can be chosen for treatment. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Pertussis and measles transmission pathways

Pertussis and measles are two types of diseases, both of which are respiratory infectious diseases. Pertussis is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae or Bordetella pertussis, while measles is an acute, infectious disease caused by the measles virus. Transmission mainly occurs through close contact with infected individuals and via airborne droplets, and it is commonly seen in infants and young children under the age of five. Prevention of these diseases is primarily through vaccination, and once the disease occurs, it is important to promptly treat the infection with anti-inflammatory or antiviral treatments, while also managing the symptoms accordingly.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
41sec home-news-image

What is whooping cough?

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. It primarily infects infants under the age of five, leading to distinctive coughing fits that are paroxysmal and may also include a barking cough or a crowing sound during inhalation. Some may also experience redness of the face and ears, runny nose, teary eyes, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting as complications. Upon observing these typical symptoms, it is advised to visit a hospital for appropriate diagnostic tests and timely symptomatic treatment, along with maintaining adequate hydration and keeping the indoor temperature comfortable.

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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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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
47sec home-news-image

Does whooping cough cause diarrhea?

Mild cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, generally do not cause diarrhea. Diarrhea is a symptom of the gastrointestinal tract, whereas whooping cough is a contagious respiratory disease caused by a common bacterial infection. It can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, nasal discharge, and tearing due to coughing. The typical symptoms include a cough that sounds like a bark or a crowing sound during inhalation. The main treatment principle is symptomatic treatment, thinning the mucus, and relieving bronchial smooth muscle spasms. During the acute phase, macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin or azithromycin can be chosen for treatment. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
47sec home-news-image

Can whooping cough get better without treatment?

Can whooping cough recover without treatment? There is individual variation in clinical cases. If the patient has mild symptoms, it is possible for them to recover on their own without treatment. If the symptoms are more typical, timely anti-inflammatory treatment is necessary; otherwise, it may lead to other complications. If there are no complications and the immune system is normal, natural recovery may also be possible, but the duration of the illness will likely be longer. Treatment decisions should primarily consider the patient's resistance and general physique. From a health perspective, once diagnosed, it is necessary to promptly use macrolide antibiotics to eliminate the Bordetella pertussis bacteria.