PERTUSSIS

PERTUSSIS WhOOPING COUGHIn the battle against whooping cough, she needs more than cute

DefinitionPertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It is caused by the bacteriumBordetella pertussis.Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe. After fits of many coughs, someone with pertussis often needs to take deep breaths which result in a "whooping" sound. Pertussis most commonly affects infants and young children and can be fatal, especially in babies less than 1 year of age

Signs and SymptomsOnce you become infected with whooping cough, it takes about seven to 10 days for signs and symptoms to appear, though it can sometimes take longer. They're usually mild at first and resemble those of a common cold:Runny noseNasal congestionRed, watery eyesFeverCough

Signs and SymptomsAfter a week or two, signs and symptoms worsen. Thick mucus accumulates inside your airways, causing uncontrollable coughing. Severe and prolonged coughing attacks may:Provoke vomitingResult in a red or blue faceCause extreme fatigueEnd with a high-pitched "whoop" sound during the next breath of air

DiagnosisPertussis (whooping cough) can be diagnosed by taking into consideration if you have been exposed to pertussis and by doing a:History of typicalsigns & symptomsPhysical examinationLaboratory testwhich involves taking a sample of secretions (with a swab or syringe filled with saline) from the back of the throat through the nose see Figure 1 andvideo demonstrations.Blood test

How does whooping cough spread? Whooping cough spreads easily through the air when a person who has whooping cough breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Almost everyone who is not immune to whooping cough will get sick if exposed to it. A person can spread the disease from the very beginning of the sickness (when he has cold-like symptoms) and for at least 2 weeks after coughing starts.Your baby can catch whooping cough from adults, grandparents, or older brothers or sisters who dont know they have the disease. New moms with whooping cough can give it to their newborn babies.Proper technique for obtaining a nasopharyngeal specimen for isolation ofBordetella pertussis

TreatmentPertussis is generally treated with antibiotics and early treatment is very important. Treatment may make your infection less severe if it is started early, before coughing fits begin. Treatment can also help prevent spreading the disease to close contacts (people who have spent a lot of time around the infected person). Treatment after three weeks of illness is unlikely to help because the bacteria are gone from your body, even though you usually will still have symptoms. This is because the bacteria have already done damage to your body.There are several antibiotics available to treat pertussis. If you or your child is diagnosed with pertussis, your doctor will explain how to treat the infection.Pertussis can sometimes be very serious, requiring treatment in the hospital. Infants are at greatest risk for severecomplicationsfrom pertussis.

PreventionVaccinesThe best way to prevent pertussis (whooping cough) among infants, children, teens, and adults is to get vaccinated. Also, keep infants and other people at high risk for pertussis complications away from infected people.In the United States, the recommended pertussis vaccine for infants and children is called DTaP. This is a combination vaccine that protects against three diseases: diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.

The childhood whooping cough vaccine (DTaP) protects most children for at least 5 years

Vaccine side effectsSide effects of the vaccine are usually mild and may include fever, crankiness, headache, fatigue or soreness at the site of the injection.Booster shotsAdolescents.Because immunity from the pertussis vaccine tends to wane by age 11, doctors recommend a booster shot at that age to protect against whooping cough (pertussis), diphtheria and tetanus.Adults.Some varieties of the every-10-year tetanus and diphtheria vaccine also include protection against whooping cough (pertussis). This vaccine will also reduce the risk of your transmitting whooping cough to infants.Pregnant women.Health experts now recommend that pregnant women receive the pertussis vaccine between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation. This may also give some protection to the infant during the first few months of life.

The best way to prevent whooping cough is with the pertussis vaccine, which doctors often give in combination with vaccines against two other serious diseases diphtheria and tetanus. Doctors recommend beginning vaccination during infancy.The vaccine consists of a series of five injections, typically given to children at these ages:2 months4 months6 months15 to 18 months4 to 6 yearsHome Remedies

The following tips on dealing with coughing spells apply to anyone being treated for whooping cough at home:Get plenty of rest.A cool, quiet and dark bedroom may help you relax and rest better.Drink plenty of fluids.Water, juice and soups are good choices. In children, especially, watch for signs of dehydration, such as dry lips, crying without tears and infrequent urination.Eat smaller meals.To avoid vomiting after coughing, eat smaller, more-frequent meals rather than large ones.Clean the air.Keep your home free of irritants that can trigger coughing spells, such as tobacco smoke and fumes from fireplaces.Prevent transmission.Cover your cough and wash your hands often; if you must be around others, wear a mask.