Whooping cough


Will there be shadows in the lungs after recovery from whooping cough?
Whooping cough is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis infection, commonly seen in children, with children under five years old being the most susceptible. The main clinical symptoms include paroxysmal spasmodic coughing and a crowing, inspiratory whoop, with the cough being more pronounced at night. The symptoms of whooping cough are severe, but the physical signs are mild. During lung auscultation, no dry or moist rales can generally be heard, and imaging examinations are also normal. However, whooping cough may be complicated by bronchopneumonia, bronchiectasis, and other complications, in which case lung X-rays may show shadows, but these shadows will disappear after recovery from the treatment.


Pertussis prone age group
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. The main age group affected by this disease are infants and young children, with the highest susceptibility seen in children under five years old, particularly infants younger than one year. The incidence of this disease has significantly decreased due to the widespread implementation of pertussis vaccination. Clinically, the disease is characterized by a cough that gradually worsens, presenting as typical paroxysmal, frequent coughing, and frothy sputum, with a crowing echo in the cough. The course of the disease can last up to three months.


Is pertussis massage effective?
Pertussis, a respiratory infectious disease, can also be somewhat alleviated by the use of traditional Chinese massage techniques as an auxiliary treatment. However, these should only be used as a supplementary method and cannot completely replace drug treatment for physical illnesses. Pertussis is mostly caused by infection with the Corynebacterium diphtheriae or Bordetella pertussis, and it is a contagious disease. The typical symptoms include paroxysmal, rapid coughing, some children may produce a cough that sounds like a puppy barking, and some may also produce a crowing sound during inhalation. The primary treatment involves using antimicrobial drugs that target the infecting bacteria, which is the most fundamental method of treatment.


How long does it take for pertussis-like symptoms to get better at the soonest?
If the body experiences persistent coughing that does not heal, and the hospital examination rules out pertussis, you can suspect it to be a pertussis-like disease if the symptoms are similar. This type of disease generally also requires the selection of sensitive antimicrobial drugs and appropriate cough suppressants. Expectorant medications provide symptomatic treatment. With active and formal treatment, recovery generally occurs within about one to two weeks. It's important to maintain a positive mindset, and pay attention to appropriate indoor temperature and humidity, drink plenty of water, and if there is excessive phlegm, choose medication to dilute the phlegm. Oxygen can also be administered during the acute phase to relieve symptoms of tissue hypoxia.


Does whooping cough require hospitalization for treatment?
This particular disease cannot be certain whether hospitalization is needed; it depends on the severity of the disease, the patient's constitution, the duration of the illness, and the body's sensitivity to the pathogens. If it is just mild paroxysmal spasmodic coughing without persistent high fever, breathing difficulty, or hypoxia, hospitalization is generally not necessary. Treatment can be managed at home with oral medication or nebulized inhalation for symptomatic treatment. The main principle is to eradicate the Bordetella pertussis bacteria.


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.


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.


Treatment methods for pertussis in children
The treatment methods for pertussis in children mainly involve anti-inflammatory processes, along with etiological treatment. Pertussis in children typically requires the selection of antimicrobial drugs to eradicate Bordetella pertussis. Clinically, macrolide antibiotics are primarily chosen, such as erythromycin, azithromycin, or clarithromycin. Also, depending on the nature of the cough, some central antitussive agents or cough and phlegm relieving drugs can be used to alleviate the symptoms of cough. Additionally, in the acute phase of inflammation where fever is present, antipyretic analgesics should be taken for symptomatic treatment. (Medication use should be under the guidance of a doctor.)


What should I do if whooping cough keeps recurring?
Whooping cough is repeatedly characterized by coughing due to its specific etiology. As a type of upper respiratory tract infectious disease, whooping cough mainly results from external stimuli causing respiratory infections. It tends to affect populations with weaker immunity and resistance, especially infants. Furthermore, in daily life, it's important to avoid contact with or consumption of foods that may cause allergies or irritate the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. It's crucial to ensure proper ventilation in living environments, and symptomatic medication should be administered to whooping cough patients. Treatment may involve oral medications or inhalation therapy, and regular follow-ups are necessary to control the condition and prevent recurrence.


How to Read Pertussis Test Results
The test for whooping cough is to see if there are any pathogens in the body. If it is confirmed that there is Bordetella pertussis, it can be determined that this disease causes spasmodic coughing, which might be prolonged and recurrent. It may also lead to fever, breathing difficulties, cyanosis of the lips, and signs of hypoxia, requiring symptomatic treatment first. At the same time, selecting macrolide antibiotics to kill the Bordetella pertussis, maintaining a good mental attitude, and ensuring that the room temperature and humidity are kept at appropriate levels are important. Attention should also be paid to the disinfection of the air. Additionally, as it is a communicable disease, isolation treatment is recommended to prevent cross-infection. It is important to adjust your mental attitude, follow the course of medication, and have regular check-ups.