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Pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough, first appears as a rather mild, yet persistent, cold. However, the uncontrollable and severe coughing fits that begin to develop a week or two after the first symptoms appear are anything but mild. Caused by bacteria for which there is a vaccine, treatment options are currently relegated to antibiotics and home remedies; generally, over the counter or prescription cough suppressants are useless.
Nasal congestion, unusual tiredness and a mild fever typically mark the onset of whooping cough. Unlike a standard cold, however, these symptoms typically get worse rather than better. Approximately two weeks after the symptoms present, heavy, prolonged coughing fits, often so severe as to induce vomiting or difficulty breathing, start to occur. The high-pitched "whooping" sound following these episodes resembles the sound of a seal coughing.
Whooping cough is caused by bacteria, and most infants begin receiving vaccines against it at two months of age. With regular booster shots, it is highly unlikely that an individual will contract whooping cough; however, the vast majority of adults fail to receive booster shots, and many parents stop giving their children vaccines once they reach high school. For this reason, unvaccinated infants, teenagers and adults are the most likely to contract this illness.
As it is caused by bacteria, whooping cough is most commonly treated with antibiotics, making a trip to your doctor necessary. Unlike a standard cough, however, whooping cough does not usually respond to cough suppressants. Keeping hydrated can help to reduce the irritation you will likely experience in your throat, as well as prevent dehydration. Running a vaporizer or humidifier in the room you spend most of your time in can help to sooth your throat and break up any congestion in your chest. For especially strong fits, taking a long, hot shower with the door closed can also be helpful. When coughing fits are at their worst, it may also be a good idea to follow the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) to help settle your stomach, as the coughing fits are likely to cause vomiting.
What else can I help you with?
What disease has the symptoms of short fast coughs ending with a whoop sound?
It is called Pertussis or "Whooping Cough".
Where does the bacteria hide in whooping cough?
Whooping cough also known as pertussis is a contagious disease that causes severe coughing. The bacteria that causes whooping cough is gram negative, and hides in the tissues of the human body.
What are the symptoms of developing Whooping Cough?
Though these symptoms can result in whooping cough they could also just be a common cold. The symptoms are runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, a mild fever, and a dry cough.
Pertussis is the medical name for what?
The medical term, pertussis, is what causes whooping cough. Whooping cough is coughing uncontrollably, then gasping for air, which is caused by Bordetella pertussis.
Where can I find more information on symptoms of whooping cough?
One place where someone could find more information on sympptoms of whooping cough is at the 'mayoclinic' website. Whooping cough symptoms include runny nose, nasal congestion, mild fever, sneezing, red, watery eyes, and a dry cough.
What are some whooping cough symptoms?
Whooping cough symptoms are very similar to those of the common cold! Examples of the symptoms could be, headaches, runny nose, sore throat, coughing, fever, and many more.
What are the symptoms of whooping cough and how is it prevented?
Whooping cough starts mild and acts like a cold with symptoms like runny nose, congestion, sneezing, dry cough and a mild fever. Symptoms may worsen after a few weeks and may have vomiting and cough with a high pitched "whooping" sound between breathes.
What is the physiology of whooping cough?
B. pertussis causes its most severe symptoms by attaching itself to those cells in the respiratory tract which have cilia.
Can a change in diet stop whooping cough symptoms?
Once you become infected with whooping cough, it can take one to three weeks for signs and symptoms to appear. They're usually mild at first and resemble those of a common cold: Runny nose Nasal congestion Sneezing Red, watery eyes A mild fever Dry cough
How do you make a whooping not hurt?
To make a whooping cough not hurt, it's essential to manage the symptoms effectively. Staying hydrated, using a humidifier, and taking over-the-counter cough suppressants can help ease the discomfort. Additionally, seeking medical advice for appropriate treatments, such as antibiotics if the cough is caused by bacteria, is crucial. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
What shape is whooping cough?
the shape of whooping cough
What is the difference between astha and the whooping cough?
Asthma is a disease in itself where a whooping cough can be one of the symptoms of asthma but isn't considered a disease. It could also be a sign of a common cold.
