Whooping cough is transmitted through respiratory droplets.

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on October 29, 2024
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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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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 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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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.)

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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
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What are the symptoms of whooping cough?

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, typically manifests as paroxysmal coughing. During the acute phase, the cough is spasmodic, and some patients may produce sounds similar to a dog's bark or a rooster's crow. This type of cough can lead to complications such as a runny nose, tearing, facial flushing, red ears, and vomiting. Diagnosis should be confirmed through routine examination of secretions. During the acute phase, symptomatic treatment should be administered, along with the selection of macrolide antibiotics to eliminate the pathogenic bacteria, which are mostly due to infection by Corynebacterium diphtheriae or Bordetella pertussis. Patients should adjust their mindset, drink plenty of warm water, and maintain clean indoor air.