Why is whooping cough milder during the day and worse at night?

Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
Updated on February 26, 2025
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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.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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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 Wang Xiang Yu
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Is pertussis a Class B infectious disease?

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is definitely classified as a contagious disease. According to the current infectious disease management laws in our country, pertussis is categorized under Class B infectious diseases. After understanding that it is a Class B infectious disease, we should also be aware of how infectious diseases are classified in our country. They are divided into Class A, Class B, and Class C based on the level of harm caused by the disease. Simply put, the more harmful, the less effective the treatment, and the higher the mortality rate, the more likely the disease will be classified as Class A, such as plague and cholera. On the other hand, diseases that are less harmful, such as influenza, rubella, and leprosy, are classified under Class C.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Whooping cough is caused by what?

Whooping cough is a type of contagious disease, caused by infection with the Bordetella pertussis or Corynebacterium diphtheriae that causes respiratory infection symptoms. Its characteristics include paroxysmal, hormone-like coughing, commonly seen in clinical paediatrics. It presents specific cough sounds, such as a bark-like cough or a crowing sound during inhalation. If similar symptoms are observed, sputum culture or other diagnostic tests such as chest X-rays and routine blood tests can be performed. Once diagnosed, it is crucial to promptly select macrolide antibiotics to eliminate the pathogens.

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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 recur?

Pertussis, a respiratory infectious disease, is contagious and mainly transmitted through airborne droplets. Once infected and treated promptly and properly, the body will develop immunity and produce antibodies, though not for life. Relapse is possible, but generally, it does not recur within three to five years after recovery. If symptoms of cold and cough appear, it is possible that they are caused by other pathogens or allergic factors.