Whooping Cough: an infectious disease caused by Bordetella
pertussis, marked by catarrh of the respiratory tract and peculiar paroxysms
of cough, ending in a prolonged crowing or whooping respiration. It is
spread by airborne droplets from a cough or sneeze, or through contact
with contaminated articles.
Pertussis: whooping cough
Bordetella: a bacteria
Catarrh: inflammation of a mucous membrane (particularly of
the head and throat), with free discharge
Paroxysm: a sudden recurrence or intensification of symptoms;
-a spasm or seizure
Whooping cough, a contagious respiratory infection, is considered
one of the most serious and preventable childhood diseases. Getting your
children immunize helps to reduce the spread of this disease. Theirs a
required vaccination against this in most states. If untreated, it can
cause lung damage, bronchial infections; in infants, it can lead to brain
damage and may even result in death.
Teen agers and adults can become infected, but it is most often
associated with young children.
Symptoms:
Early stage: runny nose, low grade fever, an a persistent cough
Second Stage (approx. 7-10 days after exposure): severe to
violent spasms of coughing, followed by whooping cough (high pitched whistling
sound), though in babies, this sound is often muted( babies are often too
weak to make the whooping sound). Patient may cough up mucous ( copious
amounts of thick saliva), and vomiting is common. This phase may last up
to six weeks, during this period, patients are susceptible to secondary
infections that can be serious.
*Infants under two months, apnea (cessation of breathing) can occur,
during which the infant’s lips may turn blue from lack of oxygen.
Treatment:
Whooping cough is very serious, it requires prompt medical treatment.
See your doctor ASAP, delaying can lead to serious complications, particularly
in children. Remember this is highly contagious.
*Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic therapy, an antibiotic
that can be effective in reducing the length and severity of the infection,
such as erythromycin. He/She may prescribed a medication that will relieve
coughing, such a codeine.
*In severe cases, hospitalization may be required to prevent
dehydration and to permit quick administration of oxygen should the patient
experience difficulty breathing.
*Get your children immunize: The DPT (diphtheria, pertussis
and tetanus) vaccine is given in five doses between the ages of 2 months
and 6 years. Studies shows 90% effective when the child receives all five
doses; however, it does not provide permanent immunity.
Five years after the final dose, a previously immunized child is
no longer protected; however, reimmunization is not recommended because
the vaccine can trigger severe side effects in older children and adults.
A preventive course of erythromycin (or another antibiotic therapy) may
be prescribed when a child comes down with whooping cough.
Reaction to DPT vaccine: *mild fever, drowsiness and fretfulness
are common.
*If your child develops a very high fever, persistent crying or seizures:
Call your doctor ASAP or seek emergency medical care immediately. Your
child may have a severe reaction to the vaccine.
*NOTE: Most health care provider believe that the risks of whooping
cough far exceed the risks of the vaccine.