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Pertussis(Whooping Cough )
by
Rick Alan DefinitionPertussis is a bacterial infection. It is also called whooping cough. The bacteria invade the lining of the respiratory tract. It can cause airway blockage. Pertussis spreads evenly from person to person. For some, it can be a very serious infection.
CausesPertussis is caused by specific bacteria. It is spread by:
Risk FactorsFactors that may increase the chances of pertussis:
SymptomsSymptoms usually begin within a week or 2 after exposure. Initial symptoms last about 1 to 2 weeks. They may include:
The second stage of pertussis is called the paroxysmal stage. This stage usually lasts 1 to 6 weeks, but can last much longer. Symptoms may include:
During the final stage, the cough gradually improves over 2 to 3 weeks. Episodes of coughing can still occur during this stage. Complications in infants and young children may include:
Complications in teens and adults can include weight loss and inability to control urine. Rarely, fainting or rib fractures can occur from severe coughing. DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may suspect pertussis based on symptoms. A swab from nose, throat, or blood may be tested to confirm the results. TreatmentTreatment may include: MedicationPertussis is treated with antibiotics. This also keeps the infection from spreading. Antibiotics are most effective when started in the early stages. They will usually not improve the symptoms or otherwise affect the illness. Treatment of SymptomsAntibiotics or cough medicine will not prevent coughing. The following steps may help control symptoms and prevent problems:
HospitalizationThose with severe infections may need hospital care. People with pertussis are usually isolated to prevent spreading the disease to others. PreventionVaccinationThe best way to prevent pertussis is with a vaccine. Most children should receive the DTaP vaccine series. This protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Another vaccine called Tdap is routinely given to children aged 11 to 12 after they have completed the DTaP series of shots. There are also catch-up schedules for children and adults who have not been fully vaccinated. Td or Tdap boosters are given to adults every 10 years. Pregnant women should have a dose of Tdap during every pregnancy to protect newborns from pertussis. Preventive AntibioticsPeople in close contact with someone with pertussis may be given antibiotics to prevent an infection. This is important in households with members at high risk for severe disease. Children under 1 year of age or people with weak immune systems have a higher risk of severe pertussis. RESOURCES:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics https://www.healthychildren.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Caring for Kids—Canadian Paediatric Society https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca Public Health Agency of Canada https://www.canada.ca References:Immunization schedules. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html. Accessed January 29, 2021.
Pertussis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114591/Pertussis
. Accessed January 29, 2021. Pertussis. PEMSoft at EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed January 29, 2021. Pertussis (whooping cough). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis. Accessed January 29, 2021. Tdap vaccine. What you need to know Centers for Disease control and Prevention website. Available at:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/tdap.pdf. Accessed January 29, 2021. Last reviewed March 2021 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
David L. Horn, MD, FACP Last Updated: 1/29/2021 | |