Whooping cough

Whooping cough, also referred to as pertussis, is a bacterial infection that primarily targets the respiratory system, particularly the nose and throat. It induces prolonged bouts of intense coughing, often culminating in a distinctive whooping sound.

This infection is highly contagious, but fortunately, vaccines like DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) for infants and children, and Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) for older children and adults, are effective in preventing it.

Who can get it?

Historically, pertussis was considered a childhood illness before the vaccine was developed. However, it can affect individuals of any age, with a higher incidence observed among infants, children, and older individuals. Infants below 2 months old, who are ineligible for vaccination, are particularly vulnerable.

Croup vs Whooping Cough

While this infection primarily affects the respiratory system, it’s important to differentiate it from croup, another respiratory infection. Croup is viral in nature, while whooping cough is bacterial. Croup tends to have a shorter duration and resolves on its own, unlike whooping cough, which necessitates medical intervention. Moreover, unlike the barking cough associated with croup, whooping cough may produce a gasping or “whooping” sound during coughing episodes.

A crucial aspect of managing pertussis is vaccination. Vaccines like DTaP and Tdap play a significant role in preventing the spread of this infection and reducing its severity.

Symptoms of pertussis

Initially, whooping cough shares symptoms with a common cold, including mild coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, and a low-grade fever below 102°F. Some individuals may also experience diarrhea early on.

After approximately 7 to 10 days, the cough evolves into “coughing spells” characterized by severe and prolonged fits of coughing, often culminating in a distinctive whooping sound as the individual attempts to inhale. These coughing spells, typically lasting up to a minute, may occasionally cause temporary facial discoloration, with the face turning briefly red or purple.

While most people with this infection experience these coughing spells, not everyone does. Infants, in particular, may not produce the whooping sound or even cough during these spells. Instead, they may exhibit gasping for air or attempts to catch their breath, with some possibly experiencing vomiting.

In some cases, adults with this infection may only present with a persistent cough that refuses to subside. Although symptoms may lessen after approximately four weeks, coughing bouts can persist for months, with the condition potentially lasting 10 weeks or more.

Causes of Whooping Cough

pertussis is caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. The infection spreads when a person with whooping cough expels small droplets containing the bacteria through sneezing, laughing, or coughing. Inhaling these droplets can lead to infection.

Once the bacteria infiltrate the airways, they attach to the tiny hairs lining the lungs, triggering inflammation and swelling. This inflammation results in a prolonged, dry cough and other cold-like symptoms.

While this infection can affect individuals of any age, it tends to manifest more severely in those who haven’t received the vaccine or whose immunity has waned, particularly in adults. However, vaccinated individuals who contract this infection typically experience milder symptoms and a shorter duration of illness.

Risk Factor

Risk factors for this infection include the wearing off of childhood vaccines, leaving older children and adults susceptible, as well as the vulnerability of infants, who cannot receive the vaccine until they reach 2 months of age. Despite vaccination, it is possible to contract whooping cough, albeit less likely. In such cases, symptoms are generally milder and shorter-lived, with fewer episodes of coughing accompanied by the characteristic whooping sound.

Complications

Whooping cough, or pertussis, can lead to severe complications, particularly in vulnerable populations such as infants and young children. These complications can include:

1. Brain damage or bleeding on the brain: Due to the prolonged periods of oxygen deprivation during severe coughing fits.
2. Pneumonia: Inflammation and infection of the lungs can occur as a secondary complication.
3. Seizures: Episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, often triggered by the lack of oxygen.
4. Apnea: Temporary cessation of breathing, particularly in infants, during intense coughing spells.
5. Convulsions: Involuntary muscle contractions, usually associated with seizures.

For infants under 12 months of age, this infection can be especially dangerous. The coughing spells may lead to breathing difficulties or even cessation of breathing, requiring constant supervision. Severe cases may necessitate hospitalization to ensure proper monitoring and treatment.

In teens and adults, whooping cough can also lead to complications such as pneumonia, abdominal hernias, broken blood vessels, bruised ribs, urinary incontinence, and sleep disturbances.

Diagnosis of Whooping Cough

Diagnosing pertussis can be challenging due to its similarity to other respiratory illnesses. However, healthcare providers may use various tests to confirm the diagnosis, including nose or throat cultures, blood tests, or chest X-rays.

Treatments

Treatment for whooping cough typically involves antibiotics, which can help alleviate symptoms and prevent the spread of the infection. However, antibiotics are most effective when administered early in the course of the illness.

It’s important to note that over-the-counter cough medicines, suppressants, or expectorants are generally ineffective in treating this infection.

Home remedies

Home remedies can help manage symptoms and promote recovery. These include getting plenty of rest, eating small, frequent meals to prevent vomiting, ensuring clean air free of irritants, and staying hydrated by drinking fluids.

Prevention

Prevention is key in combating whooping cough. Vaccines such as DTaP and Tdap are highly effective in reducing the risk of infection. Additionally, practicing good hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals can help prevent the spread of the disease.

In summary, whooping cough can lead to severe complications, particularly in infants and young children. Prompt diagnosis, treatment, and prevention measures, including vaccination, are essential in managing this potentially dangerous infection.

Sources:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
2. Mayo Clinic: Information on whooping cough.
3. National Library of Medicine: “Health Burden of Pertussis In Adolescents and Adults” offers insights into the impact of pertussis on various age groups.
4. Chest Foundation: Provides information about pertussis and its effects.
5. HealthyChildren.org: Offers comprehensive information about whooping cough.
6. Nemours Foundation and Nemours KidsHealth: Both provide valuable insights into infections, including whooping cough (pertussis).
7. National Organization for Rare Diseases: Offers information on pertussis.
8. Cleveland Clinic: Provides information on whooping cough (pertussis) as well as croup, another respiratory condition.