Where to get tested for whooping cough

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 09, 2024
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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 Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Whooping cough is caused by what?

Whooping cough is a type of contagious disease, caused by infection with the Bordetella pertussis or Corynebacterium diphtheriae that causes respiratory infection symptoms. Its characteristics include paroxysmal, hormone-like coughing, commonly seen in clinical paediatrics. It presents specific cough sounds, such as a bark-like cough or a crowing sound during inhalation. If similar symptoms are observed, sputum culture or other diagnostic tests such as chest X-rays and routine blood tests can be performed. Once diagnosed, it is crucial to promptly select macrolide antibiotics to eliminate the pathogens.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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Will there be shadows in the lungs after recovery from whooping cough?

Whooping cough is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis infection, commonly seen in children, with children under five years old being the most susceptible. The main clinical symptoms include paroxysmal spasmodic coughing and a crowing, inspiratory whoop, with the cough being more pronounced at night. The symptoms of whooping cough are severe, but the physical signs are mild. During lung auscultation, no dry or moist rales can generally be heard, and imaging examinations are also normal. However, whooping cough may be complicated by bronchopneumonia, bronchiectasis, and other complications, in which case lung X-rays may show shadows, but these shadows will disappear after recovery from the treatment.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Whooping cough vaccine

The vaccine for pertussis is generally a type of compound vaccine, belonging to the triple vaccine category, primarily the DTP vaccine. This vaccine can prevent common infectious pathogens such as whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus. It is necessary to take children to the hospital for timely vaccinations according to the treatment schedule to effectively produce antibodies, which can provide effective prevention and treatment. It is also important to pay attention to the cleanliness of indoor air, ensure indoor air disinfection, and avoid going to crowded environments, especially during the flu season to strengthen protection.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Is whooping cough very harmful?

Pertussis belongs to infectious diseases and certainly poses some risk to health, with the degree of harm varying greatly from person to person. Typical symptoms include paroxysmal, barking coughs, fever, and runny nose. Some may also exhibit cyanosis (bluish hue to lips) and signs of hypoxia. Coughing can also lead to runny nose, teary eyes, and even convulsions, nausea, and vomiting. Some patients may present with an inspiratory crowing sound. Treatment involves anti-inflammatory measures based on the number of infectious pathogens and specific symptoms, and isolation precautions should be taken to prevent the infection from spreading to other children.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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whooping cough symptoms

Whooping cough is a common respiratory infectious disease, mainly caused by infection with Bordetella pertussis. Typical symptoms include colds, runny nose, etc., and feature paroxysmal coughing. The main characteristic is paroxysmal, spasmodic coughing that occurs in strings, with more than ten or even dozens of coughs at a time. The coughing increases abdominal pressure, leading to nausea and vomiting. Infants and young children may also experience a barking cough and wheezing. Some may also experience symptoms such as urinary and fecal incontinence, flushed face, runny nose, teary eyes, and cyanosis of the lips. Once diagnosed, it is important to promptly select sensitive antibiotics for anti-inflammatory treatment. Currently, the main approach to managing this disease is prevention, including timely vaccination against whooping cough.