Can whooping cough be cured?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 21, 2024
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Pertussis, the disease, can be cured with timely and proper treatment, so there's no need to fear. It's important to clear any concerns and understand this correctly. Pertussis is primarily an acute infectious respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis or Corynebacterium diphtheriae. The main clinical approach is to prevent the disease by administering the DTP vaccine. Once infected, the disease is characterized by typical paroxysmal bouts of coughing, including spasmodic coughing, sometimes accompanied by a crowing inspiratory stridor, and in some cases, symptoms resembling a barking cough. It is called pertussis because the course of the disease is long, but there should be no excessive fear as it can be completely cured with prompt treatment.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Whooping cough is transmitted through respiratory droplets.

Pertussis is mainly transmitted through airborne droplets and is a commonly seen respiratory infectious disease in clinical settings. If a child is at school and classmates have pertussis without antibodies in their body, it is quite possible for the infection to occur, commonly seen in babies under five years old. If there are episodes of spasmodic, convulsive coughing accompanied by a barking sound or a crowing sound during inhalation, this disease should be highly suspected, and prompt culturing of the pathogen is needed for confirmation.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What is good to eat for whooping cough?

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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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 Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Where to treat whooping cough?

Pertussis, a respiratory infectious disease, is recommended to be checked and treated at local formal medical institutions. Once diagnosed, the main principle is to kill the Corynebacterium diphtheriae and choose sensitive antibiotics, such as macrolide antibiotics like erythromycin, azithromycin, or clarithromycin. Additionally, symptomatic treatment should be provided, including oxygen therapy for breathing difficulties, using medications to relieve bronchial smooth muscle spasms, thinning mucus, and alleviating uncomfortable symptoms such as coughing. It is also important to drink plenty of water, rest, and maintain good hygiene.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How is whooping cough transmitted?

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is primarily caused by the infection of Bordetella pertussis. The main transmission routes are through the respiratory tract or via close contact, particularly in classrooms where young children are present, which can easily lead to cross-infection. The disease has an incubation period of about three to seven days, and in some cases, it can range from two to three weeks. Children under the age of five have the highest incidence rate. Clinically, vaccination is recommended for prevention. Once infected, the early stages of the disease resemble those of a common cold, with typical symptoms being paroxysmal, spasmodic coughing.