Commonly known as whooping cough, whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness transmitted by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The inflammation occurs in the lungs and airways, affecting the trachea, which causes a dry and persistent cough.

Although it is considered a serious disease, the death rate associated with whooping cough is low, but the few cases reported are mostly deaths of babies and children. For this reason, pregnant women and mothers of young children should get vaccinated and follow their child’s vaccination schedule to protect themselves from this and other diseases that are more common in childhood.

Epidemiology

Decades ago, whooping cough was the leading cause of death in children worldwide. With the advent of the vaccine in 1940, these numbers plummeted, turning it into a controlled disease.

According to data released by the WHO (World Health Organization), since 2010 the incidence rate of the disease has risen again, mainly in Latin America. The causes are still unknown, but many factors are being evaluated to identify the real reasons.

Whooping cough can affect people of all ages, but more serious harm occurs in children under two years old and the elderly, possibly leading to more severe neurological, hemorrhagic, and pulmonary complications.

Transmission of the Disease

The bacterium Bordetella pertussis is highly contagious. It is enough for an infected person to cough and release contaminated particles into the air, and by being inhaled by anyone within up to 1.5 meters, it can be contracted by others.

Transmission by hands, as happens with most contagious respiratory tract diseases, is a major culprit, since hands are often brought to the mouth and nose during coughing fits.

Nothing is more effective at reducing the risk of contamination than always washing your hands with soap and water—a very old tip, but certainly super important to prevent this and many other diseases. The use of hand sanitizer is also recommended.

Whooping Cough Symptoms

The first symptoms of whooping cough appear after the incubation period, which lasts between 7 and 17 days on average. The initial signs are very similar to the beginning of a cold: runny nose, occasional sneezing, and moderate cough, characterizing the first stage of the disease, known as the catarrhal stage.

This condition may persist for two weeks, followed by a more aggressive stage—the paroxysmal stage. This phase lasts about two weeks. It causes brief and sudden spells of spasmodic cough.

These episodes repeat at increasingly shorter intervals, causing deep inspiration and great difficulty breathing and a high-pitched sound, a kind of whistle, characteristic of whooping cough. At this point, due to the enormous physical effort and inadequate breathing, the face can turn blue and vomiting may occur.

How Long Do Symptoms Last

In the convalescent stage, usually from the fourth week on, symptoms begin to subside until the patient fully recovers. This is a time for patience and vigilance, especially at night, when coughing fits are most frequent.

IMPORTANT: Any sign of dehydration, shortness of breath, or serious episodes—go to the hospital immediately.

How Whooping Cough Is Diagnosed

Diagnosing whooping cough is actually complex, since the initial symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory illnesses. Therefore, the best way to tell if a persistent cough is whooping cough is by consulting with a trusted doctor.

How to identify if the cough is whooping cough

The specialist can often identify the illness just with a clinical exam, observing the cough, which has very distinctive features of whooping cough, different from a cold cough for example.

Lab tests such as blood work help confirm the diagnosis, in addition to a more specific test that can confirm the presence of the Bordetella pertussis bacterium through a simple procedure performed in the laboratory, where a sample of nasal and throat secretions is collected for analysis.

After Confirmation of the Disease

If the disease is confirmed, certain measures are essential to help with treatment and improve the chances of a quick and effective recovery, especially if it is a child who will need even more help and care.

Whooping Cough Treatment

Since it is highly contagious, the patient needs to stay in a ventilated environment, without contact with other people during the infectious phase.

  • Keep personal belongings such as cups, cutlery, and bath towels for exclusive use by the patient.
  • To prevent dehydration, provide plenty of liquids: natural juices and lots of water
  • Prepare light meals, in small quantities, but at shorter intervals throughout the day.
  • Wash your hands frequently.

Finally, if more serious episodes occur or you have doubts, contact your doctor or go to a hospital. In times like these, we feel more at ease when assisted by specialists and have the proper resources for any emergency.

Prevention is always the best treatment

Whooping cough is treated with antibiotics effective at each stage of the illness. Treatment should always be guided by a doctor, especially in children who need extra care.

The only way to effectively prevent whooping cough is vaccination. The Pentavalent vaccine is mandatory and offered free of charge at public health clinics. It is given in three doses, with two boosters up to age 4. Immunization is effective for about ten years.

See Also: What Are the Symptoms of Mumps?

Photos: silviarita, Semevent