Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The disease can be easily spread through droplets from coughing or sneezing. Infection can occur at any age. Patients with severe symptoms are mostly young children because their immune systems are not yet strong and they have not been fully vaccinated. Adults who have not received booster shots or have underlying diseases can also have severe symptoms. The symptoms of whooping cough are characterized by what are called “coughing patterns” and “whooping cough”, which, if left untreated, can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of whooping cough
Whooping cough has an incubation period of approximately 7-10 days, after which patients will begin to develop symptoms, which can be divided into 3 stages:
Catarrhal stage
Symptoms during this period are often similar to the common cold, such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, low-grade fever, and slight cough. During this period, specific symptoms of whooping cough are not yet apparent, but the virus is most contagious.
Paroxysmal stage:
The cough becomes more severe. The patient will cough up several times in a row, followed by a loud “whoosh” sound from trying to breathe in after the intense coughing, which is characteristic of the disease. Vomiting may also occur. This is the most severe stage of the disease and can last for several weeks. Common complications include pneumonia. In young children, แทงบอล UFABET ราคาดีที่สุด ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ respiratory arrest, pulmonary hypertension, and sudden death can occur. In adults, the patient may lose consciousness or cough so hard that their ribs are broken.
Convalescent stage:
During this stage, the cough will start to decrease. Although there will be some coughing, it will gradually improve until it disappears completely. However, recovery may take several weeks or months.
Whooping cough transmission
Whooping cough is a disease that is easily transmitted through droplets from coughing or sneezing. It can occur all year round. People with low immunity, such as young children under 1 year old, are at high risk of developing severe symptoms and may even be fatal.
How to prevent whooping cough
The most effective prevention against pertussis is the pertussis vaccine, which is part of the DTP vaccine. This vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. In Thailand, young children are vaccinated according to the Ministry of Public Health’s vaccination schedule at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 18 months, and 4-6 years of age. There is also a specific pertussis vaccine for certain groups of patients. Older children and adults should receive at least one pertussis booster shot, and pregnant women should receive a pertussis vaccine during every pregnancy in the third trimester to pass on immunity to their babies.
However, vaccination or even pertussis infection itself does not provide lifelong immunity to pertussis. Immunity decreases over time, so boosting immunity and other preventive measures against infection should be used in conjunction.
Treatment of whooping cough
If you suspect that you have whooping cough, see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Typically, whooping cough is treated with antibiotics to reduce the spread of the infection, and in some cases, your doctor may prescribe cough suppressants to relieve symptoms. It is important for you to get enough rest and fluids to help relieve your cough.
Precautions and self-care
- Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or sneezing.
- Wear a mask when in public or when coughing.
- Wash your hands regularly to prevent infection.
- Consult your doctor about booster shots, especially for those who work closely with young children or the elderly with weakened immune systems.
Whooping cough is a serious and potentially dangerous disease, especially in young children. The best way to prevent it is through vaccination, good hygiene, and preventing the spread of the infection. Therefore, having knowledge and understanding about whooping cough can help us prevent and reduce the risk of infection.