late stage symptoms of whooping cough

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on February 10, 2025
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Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the Bordetella pertussis or Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria. After infection, paroxysmal coughing occurs, and in later stages, the frequency of coughing episodes decreases and the duration of symptoms shortens. The main treatment should involve the use of macrolide antibiotics to eliminate the pathogen. Additionally, it is advisable to drink plenty of water, rest adequately, measure body temperature twice daily, and avoid excessive fatigue. As long as function and symptoms gradually ease, it indicates the recovery phase is beginning, generally requiring about fifteen to twenty days for complete recovery.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Whooping cough vaccine

The vaccine for pertussis is generally a type of compound vaccine, belonging to the triple vaccine category, primarily the DTP vaccine. This vaccine can prevent common infectious pathogens such as whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus. It is necessary to take children to the hospital for timely vaccinations according to the treatment schedule to effectively produce antibodies, which can provide effective prevention and treatment. It is also important to pay attention to the cleanliness of indoor air, ensure indoor air disinfection, and avoid going to crowded environments, especially during the flu season to strengthen protection.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What are the symptoms of whooping cough?

Pertussis, a disease caused by infection with the Bordetella pertussis or Corynebacterium diphtheriae, is a contagious respiratory illness. The typical symptom is severe coughing, which presents as paroxysmal, rapid coughing fits. This coughing can lead to redness in the face and ears, a runny nose, tears, and bulging neck veins. If these coughing symptoms are prolonged, it is advisable to visit a hospital to check the pathogen in the secretions. Once the pathogen is confirmed, treatment can include oral or intravenous macrolide antibiotics to control the infection, along with symptomatic treatment. (Note: The use of medications should be under the guidance of a professional 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 Wu Ben Rong
Pediatrics
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Can you still get infected with whooping cough after recovery?

If whooping cough has been cured, generally, it won’t infect a person again. However, clinically, a small number of patients might get infected again due to weak immunity, though such cases are relatively rare. Whooping cough is caused by an infection with Bordetella pertussis and is an acute respiratory infectious disease. The source of infection in whooping cough is the patient themselves, and the disease can spread through airborne droplets. Most people who contract this disease will develop corresponding antibodies, so generally, they will not get infected again after recovery. However, some patients with weak constitutions and low immunity might not develop sufficient antibodies after the initial infection, which can potentially lead to a reinfection.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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Why is whooping cough milder during the day and worse at night?

Whooping cough is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis infection, commonly seen in children. The main symptoms are paroxysmal spasmodic coughing, a crowing inspiratory noise, with coughing occurring both during the day and at night, more significantly at night. The main reasons are as follows: first, the dry indoor air causes irritation. Second, during the night, the mucus secreted by the bronchial mucosa cannot be expelled from the body, which stimulates the bronchial nerves and triggers worsening cough symptoms. Coughing can also cause redness of the face and ears, runny nose, nausea, and vomiting.