What are the symptoms of pertussis encephalopathy?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on January 23, 2025
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Pertussis encephalopathy typically presents with persistent high fever, projectile vomiting, nausea, and severe headaches, which are indicators of increased intracranial pressure. It is necessary to conduct timely auxiliary examinations such as cerebrospinal fluid tests and cranial MRI for diagnosis. In conjunction with clinical symptoms, medications to alleviate cerebral edema and reduce intracranial pressure should be chosen for symptomatic treatment. Typically, corticosteroids are needed during the acute phase, along with mannitol, sedatives, and other symptomatic treatments. Additionally, antibiotics should be used to eliminate the Bordetella pertussis bacterium, the pathogen responsible for the condition.

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Symptoms and Treatment of Whooping Cough in Children

The common symptoms of whooping cough are coughing, prolonged coughing, and spasmodic coughing, which ends with a crowing sound, and it mainly occurs during the night. The face may turn bright red during coughing, which is a typical symptom of whooping cough. For treatment, in the early stages of whooping cough, erythromycin is definitely used and can be effective. However, in pediatrics, if the whooping cough has lasted for a long time, the effectiveness of the treatment is relatively not as good. If the coughing period is long and medication is used in the middle to late stages, even with some treatment, it might still continue for two to three months. Although treatments like cough suppressants and expectorants can alleviate the symptoms, a cough usually still persists to some degree.

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The "hundred days" in whooping cough refers to what?

The whooping cough we refer to clinically is a type of respiratory infectious disease. The term "hundred days" relates to the duration of the disease, which is relatively long, sometimes approaching one hundred days, hence the name whooping cough. However, it does not necessarily mean that one will cough or be infected for such a long duration. The specific circumstances should be determined according to the number of infecting pathogens and the body's immune response. If the immune system is normal and the infection is minor, some patients can recover without medication. Once a severe infection is diagnosed, it is crucial to promptly use sensitive antibiotics and engage in timely anti-inflammatory and symptomatic treatment.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
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Can a routine blood test detect whooping cough?

Whooping cough is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis infection, commonly seen in children. The main symptoms are paroxysmal spasmodic coughing and a crowing inspiratory whoop. The disease has a long course and may be complicated by pneumonia, neurological diseases, and others. The diagnosis of the disease mainly relies on the cultivation of Bordetella pertussis, detection of Bordetella pertussis DNA, and testing for pertussis toxin antibodies. In this disease, the routine blood test will also show a significant increase in the white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, and white blood cell differential.

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whooping cough symptoms

Whooping cough is a common respiratory infectious disease, mainly caused by infection with Bordetella pertussis. Typical symptoms include colds, runny nose, etc., and feature paroxysmal coughing. The main characteristic is paroxysmal, spasmodic coughing that occurs in strings, with more than ten or even dozens of coughs at a time. The coughing increases abdominal pressure, leading to nausea and vomiting. Infants and young children may also experience a barking cough and wheezing. Some may also experience symptoms such as urinary and fecal incontinence, flushed face, runny nose, teary eyes, and cyanosis of the lips. Once diagnosed, it is important to promptly select sensitive antibiotics for anti-inflammatory treatment. Currently, the main approach to managing this disease is prevention, including timely vaccination against whooping cough.

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Does whooping cough require isolation?

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.