Whooping Cough

Whooping Cough is a bacterial infection of the respiratory tract. The bacteria invade the lining of the upper respiratory tract and airways, increasing the secretion of mucus. It is very contagious, and can be serious.

Causes

Whooping Cough is caused by the bacterium Bordettella pertussis. It is spread by:
  • Inhaling droplets from the sneeze or cough of a person infected with whooping cough
  • Having direct contact with the respiratory secretions of a person infected with whooping cough

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or condition.
  • Age: Infancy and early childhood
  • Not being immunized
  • Living in the same house or working in close contact with someone infected with whooping cough
  • Living in close quarters (such as a dormitory or nursing home)
  • Living in crowded, unsanitary conditions

Symptoms

Symptoms usually begin 1-2 weeks (at most, 3 weeks) after exposure to the bacterium. Initial symptoms last 7-14 days. They include:
  • Runny nose
  • Sneezing
  • Watery, red eyes
  • Mild fever
  • Dry cough that is worse at night
After 10-14 days, the cough:
  • Becomes wet and occurs during the day
  • Produces thick, stringy mucus
  • Begins to occur in long spells, often as long as one minute
  • May cause a person to turn blue from lack of oxygen
  • At the end of a coughing spell, causes patient to gasp for air, resulting in a "whooping" sound
This severe coughing may also cause:
  • Vomiting
  • Difficulty eating and drinking
  • Tiny red spots (due to ruptured blood vessels) on the skin of the face and upper body and whites of the eyes
In severe cases, the disease and fits of coughing can cause severe complications. This is common in infants. Complications may include:
  • Seizures
  • Pneumonia
  • Collapsed lungs (rare)
  • Bleeding, swelling, and/or inflammation of the brain, possibly causing neurologic damage
  • Death (rare)
After about 4 weeks, the cough begins to decrease. Full recovery occurs in most cases.

Diagnosis

Whooping Cough can be difficult to diagnose, especially in older children and adults. This is because:
  • At first, symptoms are very similar to those of the common cold
  • Later, symptoms can be very similar to bronchitis (especially in adults)
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include:
  • Blood tests
  • Swab of nose and throat for culture
  • Chest x-ray

Treatment

Treatment may include:
Medication – antibiotics, usually erythromycin, are used. They are most effective when started in the early stages.
Treatment of Symptoms – to help reduce vomiting and lessen the chances of dehydration:
  • Eat small, frequent meals
  • Drink plenty of water, fruit juices, and clear soup
Hospitalization – this may be necessary for infants, and for people who develop pneumonia. Patients are usually isolated to prevent spreading the disease.

Prevention

The best means of prevention is immunization. This is best done during early childhood. People in close contact with someone infected with Whooping Cough should take preventive antibiotics, even if they've been vaccinated.