How to diagnose the incubation period of pertussis

Written by Li Jian Wu

Pulmonology

Updated on January 29, 2025

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The incubation period of whooping cough generally has no autonomous discomfort symptoms. If there is close contact with a patient and the body lacks antibodies, suspecting the presence of this pathogen, corresponding auxiliary examinations can be conducted for diagnosis. Bacteriological examinations and fluorescent antibody methods can be performed, using nasopharyngeal swab secretions smear or nasal mucosa impression smear fluorescent antibody staining to detect specific antigens, with an early positive rate of 75%-85%. Complement fixation tests in serology can also be conducted to detect specific antibodies, effectively aiding in the diagnosis of atypical cases.

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Written by Li Jian Wu

Pulmonology

49sec

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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.

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Written by Li Jian Wu

Pulmonology

33sec

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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

43sec

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Is nebulization useful for pertussis?

Nebulized inhalation for localized treatment of pertussis can be quite effective. It helps alleviate bronchial smooth muscle spasms and is used for spasmodic coughs, effectively easing cough symptoms as a symptomatic treatment measure. However, it is also necessary to target the infectious pathogens with oral or intravenous macrolide antibiotics for anti-inflammatory treatment. Drinking plenty of water, maintaining suitable indoor temperature and humidity, and having confidence in overcoming the disease are important. Although the course of the disease may be long, complete recovery is possible through proper treatment, so there is no need for excessive worry.

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Written by Li Jian Wu

Pulmonology

52sec

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Is whooping cough contagious?

Pertussis, a type of disease, is an infectious respiratory infection, thus it is contagious. If there is a pertussis patient in the home, it is recommended to isolate the patient for treatment, ensure air ventilation and disinfection in the living space, and use personal items separately. Patients should ideally wear masks to block the bacteria from spreading through respiratory passages, and should actively choose antimicrobial drugs to control the infection, drink plenty of water, and rest sufficiently. When feverish, adopt physical methods to reduce fever or take antipyretic medication for symptomatic treatment. The main principle should be to choose macrolide antibiotics to control the infection. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Li Jian Wu

Pulmonology

44sec

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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.