Whooping Cough

It is a contagious disease. Its medical name is Pertussis. It is mostly seen in children between the ages of 1 and 4. It lasts for 4-6 weeks on average.

The patient's nose runs, and a cough that comes in fits and starts sometimes causes vomiting. 

Absolute bed rest is essential for treatment. The patient should be given soft foods frequently but in small amounts.

 

The most obvious symptom of whooping cough, caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis, is the coughing fits that are specific to the disease. It has been determined that children between the ages of 1-3 are more likely to catch this disease. However, babies and adults are also likely to catch the disease. Germs are released into the air during shouting, coughing and sneezing and are transmitted through the respiratory tract. The probability of transmission coincides with the period when the disease starts as a cold. However, it remains contagious as long as the cough continues. Germs create a phlegmy inflammation in the larynx and respiratory tract.

Incubation period: 1-3 weeks, average 15 days.

Symptoms: Symptoms can be examined in three parts:

1. Pre-cold stage.

2. The crampy cough phase.

3. Recovery period.

In the first stage, it shows the symptoms of diseases caused by cold and causes a slight fever. The disease does not show itself for 1-2 weeks. This stage is the most contagious stage of the disease. In the first two weeks, runny nose, conjunctivitis and cough are observed, but there is no fever.

The coughing period, which starts in attacks especially in the evenings, lasts an average of 5 weeks. The cough is in the form of cramps and vomiting may occur at the end of the coughing attacks. A definitive diagnosis is made as soon as the coughing attacks begin. The attacks first start with a few strong coughs, followed by deep breathing. The coughing sound is whistling and suffocating. The number and severity of the attacks vary according to the course of the disease. Cases have been recorded in which fifty coughing attacks were counted in a twenty-four hour period, most of which occurred at night. If the child's lower teeth have not yet emerged, a small tumor formation may be seen near the gums. The patient experiences relief between coughing attacks. The disease completely passes in 2-3 weeks.

Course:

The entire duration of the disease is 8 weeks if no side effects are seen, but it has been observed that it can last for six months. Cough attacks are rarely seen in mild whooping cough. Cough attacks are never seen in adults and the disease is harmless. The most common side effect of whooping cough is pleurisy and can be the cause of death in babies. After whooping cough is over, it can be replaced by bronchitis. Due to the disorders that can be seen in the blood circulation system, it can cause brain damage and conditions such as paralysis, muscle cramps and spasms, deafness and blindness can occur.