What does "one hundred days" in whooping cough refer to?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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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 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 Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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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 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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How long does it take to recover from pertussis syndrome?

This disease is called whooping cough mainly because the disease itself has a long course, which led to its name. If not treated in time, some patients may take two to three months to recover. If detected and treated early, generally complete recovery is possible within about 10-20 days. The main symptoms are paroxysmal, spasmodic coughing, some may also exhibit a barking cough, or a crowing inspiration sound, among other typical manifestations.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How long is the incubation period for whooping cough?

Once the body is infected with the bacterium that causes whooping cough, the incubation period of this disease is about one to two weeks. The contagion is strongest within two to three weeks after becoming ill. This disease is a respiratory infectious disease, mainly transmitted through airborne droplets, with children under five being the most susceptible to infection. Clinically, vaccination is primarily used to prevent the occurrence of the disease. Once infected, symptomatic treatment is needed, and one can also choose macrolide antibiotics, such as clarithromycin and erythromycin, for treatment.