Whooping Cough

Whooping CoughBy AlexanderDefinitionWhooping cough is a bacterial infection that affects our respiratory system.

CauseBacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis

Symptoms of the DiseaseThree Stages of Whooping Cough:Stage 1:Catarrhal (runny nose) stage. Lasts 2 weeksStage 2:Paroxysmal stage: violent coughing lasts between 1 10 weeks. Babies appear to stop breathing. Vomiting is also common in this stage.Stage 3: Convalescent stage: lasts weeks to months, cough becomes a chronic cough

Body System affected Respiratory system

TransmissionHighly contagious.Spread by coughing Person with this disease should be quarantined.

Diagnosis A sample of mucus on a swab - alginate or Dacron swabs must be used in getting the sample.A blood count maybe performed.

TreatmentRoutine immunization.AntibioticsEveryone In the household must be treated with antibiotics.Children under 7 should finish their shots.Anyone with whooping cough should be isolated for five days after starting antibiotics or until three weeks after the onset of the coughing spasms if the person has not received antibiotic treatment.

Outcome of the DiseaseChildren under the age of 2 years old have more complication and will need to be hospitalized.16% of whooping cough cases in children and adults have to be hospitalized.In untreated cases the person may die.

People at RiskPeople who have not been immunized.

Referencehttp://www.emedicinehealth.com/whooping_cough.htm