Whooping Cough

Whooping Cough

Whooping Cough, Pertussis can affect people of all ages, but can be very serious, even deadly, for babies Less than a year old. The best way to Protect against pertussis is by getting vaccinated. Whooping cough may begin like a common cold but unlike a cold, the coughing can last for weeks or months. The symptoms of whooping cough may develop within 5 to 20 dongs. It is caused by a bacteria type called Bordetella Pertussis.

Causes of Whooping Cough:

• It is caused by a bacterial infection named: Bordetella pertussis.
• The family of this virus is called: Alcaligenaceae ( it is gram-negative bacteria).

Transmission of Whooping Cough:

Whooping cough spread from Person to Person through Air born droplets when an infected person sneeze and cough.

Symptoms of Whooping Cough:

• Runny Nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing Fits
• Watery and Red eyes
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Face turns blue red
• Nasal Congestion
• Whoop Sound as the person tries to breathe in air

Complications of whooping cough in Babies:

• Damage to brain
• Seizures
• Pneumonia
• Alnea
• Blood vessels damage

Diagnosis of Whooping Cough:

• Nasal Swab for culture
• Diagnosis through symptoms
• Throat swab culture
• Wbe count (High)
• Chest X-Ray

Prevention of whooping cough:

• Avoid contact with people whole have illnesses.
• Vaccination.

Treatment of Whooping Cough:

Note:

Always consult a general physician for the treatment of whooping cough and must follow the doctor’s Instructions.

• Use Antibiotics like Erythromycin clarithromycin, and Azithromycin.