Pertussis patients have recurring cough episodes that often produces a "whoop" sound as the patients inhale.

Pertussis could potentially cause serious complications, including damage to the respiratory tract, the air-sacks (alveoli) within the lungs, convulsions, pneumonia, and in some cases, brain damage.

Vaccination against whooping cough, therefore, is very important.

Signs and Symptoms of Whooping Cough / Pertussis:

Pertussis symptoms include: Runny nose, Vomiting, Severe (dry) cough, Low fever, Loss of appetite, and "Whoop" sound while inhaling.

How is Pertussis / Whooping Cough Transmitted?

Pertussis is a highly contageous disease. It is usually transmitted from one person to another when someone comes in close contact with respiratory secretions released in the air by the infected person while coughing or sneezing. It also spreads when someone comes in contact with the droplets released from an infected persons mouth or nose, and then touches his own mouth, nose, or eyes.

Whooping Cough Treatment : Treatment for Pertussis:

Antibiotic medicines are usually prescribed for Pertusis/Whooping cough. The patient is also advised to take plenty of fluids. Using an air-humidifier is known to provide relief to some patients.

Prevention of Whooping Cough / Pertussis:

• Pertussis vaccine (included in DTaP vaccine),
• Avoiding contact with infected persons during the first five days of antibiotic treatment,
• Antibiotics,
• Not allowing infants and pregnant women to come in contact with pertussis patients,
• Avoiding contact with anything that is suspected of being exposed to the respiratory secretions of an infected person.

Don't forget to check out Lung Disease News section of this website for the latest Whooping Cough, Pertusis Treatment News, and our Lung Disease Articles Library for the latest Whooping Cough, Pertusis related Articles.

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