Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that attacks the respiratory system, causing severe coughing fits and wheezing. It is preventable through vaccination and treatable with antibiotics and rest. It is most common in children and can be fatal, so parents should vaccinate their children and seek medical attention if symptoms appear.
Whooping cough is a bacterial infection of the respiratory system which is characterized by severe wheezing and overwhelming coughing fits. It typically attacks children, as adults appear to develop natural immunity to it through minor exposure. Whooping cough is also completely preventable through vaccination, and vaccines are strongly recommended for all parents of young children, as the disease can be fatal.
Some people know whooping cough by “whooping cough,” the name medical professionals prefer to use. The infection is caused by colonization with the Bordatella pertussis bacterium, which attacks the tiny hairs known as cilia in the respiratory tract. In a healthy person, cilia help flush debris through the respiratory system so the person can breathe. Someone infected with this bacterium will start to accumulate debris in their respiratory tract and, as a result, they will develop mucus production and cough.
This disease is highly contagious, especially when someone is exposed to a patient in the last stages of whooping cough. The infection usually starts with the appearance of a mild cold, with a runny nose, fever, and a general feeling of being unwell. As the infection spreads, the patient starts experiencing intense coughing fits which are known to bruise or break the ribs with their severity. Also, inhalation may be accompanied by a loud whistling or jerking noise, which explains the common name of the disease.
Treatments for whooping cough include antibiotics, inhaling warm, moist air, and tapping the chest to loosen debris in the lungs. Many doctors also recommend antibiotic prophylaxis for people who have been exposed to the patient, as these antibiotics can prevent a serious infection. If parents recognize pertussis symptoms in their children, they should take them to the doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Schools should be aware of cases of this infectious bacterial disease so that other parents can be made aware of potential exposure.
At home, pertussis patients should be kept in a moist environment to promote easier breathing. Rest is also strongly recommended, and exposure to smoke, dust, and other cough triggers should be avoided if possible. Doctors generally don’t recommend cough syrups, although lozenges can be used to soothe raw throats. Proper hydration with tea, water and juices can also help make patients more comfortable, as can a balanced and healthy diet during recovery.
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