How long is the incubation period for whooping cough?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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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.

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What should be paid attention to in the diet for whooping cough?

Whooping cough is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by infection with Bordetella pertussis, mainly characterized by paroxysmal spasmodic cough, crowing inspiratory noise, commonly seen in children. In terms of diet, children with whooping cough should eat light and nutritious food. Do not eat spicy, greasy, or cold foods, as spicy foods can irritate the tracheal mucosa, and cold or greasy foods can damage the spleen and stomach, potentially exacerbating inflammatory changes.

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Is the pertussis vaccine a live vaccine?

The pertussis vaccine is a type of attenuated live vaccine, which clinically is mainly part of a combination vaccine that includes pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus, commonly referred to as the DTP vaccine. Normally, a baby should receive the first dose at three months of age, followed by the second dose in the fourth and fifth months, as part of basic immunization. Between the age of eighteen months and two years, another dose is administered to boost immunity, which after producing lifelong antibodies, prevents reinfection with the disease.

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The difference between pertussis and allergic cough

Pertussis (whooping cough) and allergic cough are different. Firstly, pertussis is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. Its symptoms include paroxysmal and frequent coughing, sometimes accompanied by a deep, crowing, inspiratory whoop sound. If not treated promptly, the condition can last for several months, which is why it is called whooping cough. Due to its high contagiosity and epidemic history, if infants contract pertussis, their condition can worsen, making them prone to complications like severe pneumonia or heart failure. However, allergic cough is a non-infectious condition primarily caused by hypersensitivity of the airways, easily triggered by various external allergens, leading to irritating dry coughs, but not worsening to lower respiratory tract infections. In daily life, by avoiding environmental allergens and using treatments such as nebulization and oral antiallergic medications, management is possible.

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What causes fever in pertussis?

Pertussis, a symptom caused by the infection of Corynebacterium diphtheriae or Bordetella pertussis, facilitates the presence of these substantive pathogens in the body. These pathogens stimulate the body's temperature regulation center, leading to immune fever symptoms. This is a reaction where the body's resistance is fighting against these pathogens, causing a rise in body temperature which is considered normal. During the acute phase, symptomatic treatment should be administered. At the same time, based on the type of infectious pathogen, a sensitive antimicrobial agent should be chosen for etiological treatment. Additionally, it's important to drink plenty of fluids and maintain clean indoor air.

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late stage symptoms of whooping cough

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the Bordetella pertussis or Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria. After infection, paroxysmal coughing occurs, and in later stages, the frequency of coughing episodes decreases and the duration of symptoms shortens. The main treatment should involve the use of macrolide antibiotics to eliminate the pathogen. Additionally, it is advisable to drink plenty of water, rest adequately, measure body temperature twice daily, and avoid excessive fatigue. As long as function and symptoms gradually ease, it indicates the recovery phase is beginning, generally requiring about fifteen to twenty days for complete recovery.