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Whooping cough is caused by the Bordatella pertussis bacteria. It is spread via the respiratory system through droplet infection. For example when the infected individual coughs or sneezes.
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The infection may last for 6 weeks, although some residual coughing may occur for months afterwards in some cases. The signs and symptoms can be divided into three stages as follows;
Catarrhal Stage: Characterized by cold-like symptoms. Lack of appetite, runny nose, lethargy, and a hacking cough, especially at night. This is the most infectious stage and lasts 7-10 days.
Paroxysmal Stage: As suggested by the name, this stage is characterized by paroxysmal coughing. The infected person has several rapid coughs followed by an inspiratory whoop, and this may be repeated until the person vomits. Occasionally they may loose consciousness. During these uncontrollable coughing attacks the person will become red in the face, often followed by a bluish tinge as they are deprived of oxygen. In between episodes the individual seems fine. The coughing spasms may be brought on by exercise or laughing. This stage usually lasts 10-14 days but can last longer.
Convalescent Stage: During this stage, the coughing paroxysms become less severe and less frequent. This stage can last 2-4 weeks, although some coughing may remain for months.
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Treatment with antibiotics such as erythromycin may shorten the duration of the illness. In many places, antibiotics will also be offered to the family of the ill person as a preventative measure.
If severe (mostly infants), the person may require hospitalization. This allows monitoring during attacks and intravenous hydration if required due to vomiting or decreased fluid intake. Oxygen and humidification may also occasionally be used. Some infants may stop breathing during coughing spasms.
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Also known as "pertussis", whooping cough is a contagious respiratory infection which is characterized by paroxysms of coughing often followed by a "whooping" sound on inspiration. It affects any age group but is both more common, and more problematic, for infants. Vaccination has dramatically decreased the incidence of this disease over the years, but there has been a recent rise in cases for unclear reasons.
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The vaccination for pertussis is routinely administered to infants as multiple shots over several months. The current vaccine is an acellular variant which is considered safer than its predecessor, and is usually coupled with the diphtheria and tetanus vaccines. The vaccine makes it much more unlikely for the individual to acquire the disease, but not impossible. However, if infected the illness will be milder and of shorter duration for an immunized person. Studies have shown the vaccine to not be very effective at preventing transmission of the disease. This may explain the recent rise in cases of pertussis.
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