Does whooping cough require isolation?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on January 29, 2025
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Pertussis, this contagious disease, once diagnosed, requires isolation to prevent infection to healthy children or even adults with low immunity. It is necessary to provide an isolated room for the child, and attention should be paid to indoor ventilation, appropriate temperature, frequent cleaning and sunning of clothes and bedding, ensuring adequate and good sleep, and maintaining clean, ventilated air indoors. Dietary adjustments should also be made, avoiding too cold, spicy, or acidic foods. Timely selection of sensitive antibacterial drugs and cough suppressants can help alleviate symptoms of coughing and wheezing.

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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 at what age?

The pertussis vaccine is generally administered within the first year of age. Under normal circumstances, children should be taken to hospitals or public health prevention stations for vaccination according to the course of treatment. The first dose starts at the third month after birth, followed by the second dose at four months and the third dose at five months old. A booster can be administered when the baby is two years old. The DTP vaccine used in clinics mainly consists of three components: pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Can whooping cough be treated with Chinese medicine?

Whooping cough is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis or Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment is also an option. There are many commonly used traditional Chinese medicine formulas, such as Pediatric Whooping Cough Powder, Qingfei Zhike San, Feier Wan, Huachong Wan, Bai Ji Granules, Zuo Jin Wan, etc., which all have certain effects and efficacy in treating whooping cough. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that whooping cough is caused by pathogenic factors attacking the lung defense, reduced function of the lung's descending and clearing action, and cough symptoms due to qi moving in the wrong direction.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Does whooping cough cause a runny nose?

In the early stages of whooping cough, also known as the incubation period, symptoms similar to those of a cold can occur, including runny nose, sneezing, mild fever, and an irritating dry cough. If the disease progresses for two to four weeks, it typically presents with episodes of spasmodic, convulsive coughing, characterized by a notable change in the sound of the cough. Some children might exhibit a bark-like cough or a crowing-like cough. Accompanying symptoms can include redness of the face and ears, tearing, more runny nose, as well as signs of oxygen deprivation such as nausea, vomiting, and cyanosis of the lips. It is advisable to further conduct pathogen culture to confirm the diagnosis and initiate timely treatment.

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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.