Is whooping cough very harmful?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on December 02, 2024
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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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Is whooping cough an infectious disease?

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a contagious disease that is a respiratory tract infection. It primarily spreads through airborne droplets and close daily contact. Clinically, there is a vaccine available for this condition, mainly the DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine. Following the vaccination schedule and developing antibodies can effectively prevent the disease. This disease has a lengthy course and can easily cause recurrent coughing episodes and persistent symptoms. It is important to correctly understand and be aware of the characteristics of its onset. If suspected, early examination and timely selection of medications for symptom control are essential, along with addressing the underlying cause.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Treatment methods for pertussis

For the treatment of whooping cough, the first step should be to drink plenty of water and maintain a suitable indoor temperature and humidity. In terms of medication, it is necessary to choose macrolide antibiotics and adhere to an inflammatory treatment course. Clinically common drugs include erythromycin, roxithromycin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, etc., and generally, medication is required for at least about ten days. At the same time, it is recommended to use antitussive and expectorant drugs. If there are symptoms of breathing difficulty, oxygen inhalation can also be administered. There are many expectorant drugs clinically available, such as carbocisteine or She Dan Chuan Bei liquid, ambroxol oral solution, etc., all of which can serve the function of suppressing coughs and expelling phlegm.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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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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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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Can whooping cough be cured?

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.