What is whooping cough and how to treat it

What is whooping cough

Whooping cough - a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory tract. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. When infected coughs or sneezes, the germs into the air. Anyone who is nearby, inhale them and becomes infected.

Before the advent of pertussis vaccination was considered exclusively a childhood disease. Now the disease primarily affectsWhooping cough kids that have not passed the full course of vaccination, as well as teens and adults who have weakened immune system. scientists reportedPertussis: Microbiology, Disease, Treatment and PreventionThat the validity of the vaccine - about 4-14 years. The more time has passed after the vaccination, the higher the chances of getting.

Die from whooping cough mostly infants up to one year. It is therefore very important that pregnant women and people who are close to the baby, have been vaccinated against infection.

How to recognize whooping cough

At first the same symptoms of whooping coughWhooping Cough: Causes, Symptoms and TreatmentAs that of the common cold:

• cough;
• sneezing;
• runny nose;
• temperature rise, to a maximum of 38,9 ° C;
• sometimes diarrhea.

Approximately 7-10 days coughing become stronger and longer. They may even provoke vomiting, severe fatigue and temporary redness or blueness of the skin due to stress.

Seizures are the majority, but not all. Infants may not cough, but it will be gasping for air. According to Lidia Ivanova, an attack they can terminate a temporary cessation of breathing and seizures.

When to see a doctor

If the cough becomes more and more urgently go to a therapist, and in the case of a child - a pediatrician.

In the early stages it is difficult to diagnose whooping cough. Symptoms are similar to other illnesses - colds, flu, or bronchitis. Therefore, the doctor may refer the patient to a blood test and chest x-ray.

Call an ambulance on the number 103, if during the attack the patient started to choke.

The man in this case may look frightened, taken by the throat with his hands. The skin turns blue a little. But the most telltale sign - that it gasping.

How to treat whooping cough

Infants are usually treatedWhooping Cough (Pertussis) in the hospital, the rest can recover at home.

The main methods are reduced to two.

1. Take medication

To stop the spread of infection, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics. They will kill the bacteria, but the symptoms of the disease do not get rid of. knock downWhooping cough temperature can OTC analgesics - paracetamol or ibuprofen.

But cough medicines usually do not help in whooping cough.

2. respect the

During the illness it is very important to maintain a proper lifestyle.

The patient shows rest, in the absence of high temperatures - light walking. The nervous system in this period is very shaken, so remove any potential irritants. Light need soft, diffused. Loud sounds of music, conversation or the TV speaker to be mute.

Lidia Ivanova, pediatrician

Here are some tipsWhooping coughHow to recover faster.

• Due to the high temperature can begin dehydrationTry to prevent it. Drink plenty of fluids. Good choice - water, fruit juice and broth.
• Eat often, but in small portions. Do not load up stomach pain due to severe coughing you may vomit.
• Place in a room humidifier. This will help soothe the cough.
• Try to keep the air in the room was clean the patient. Do not smoke in the room and do not spray perfume or flavor with a sharp flavor, in order not to irritate the throat. Often ventilate the room.
• Prevent transmission of infection. Wash your hands with soap and water, wear a surgical mask, cover your mouth with a napkin.

How to prevent pertussis

The best way - to be vaccinated.

Under the policy of the MLA procedure is free. Planning a child vaccinated against pertussis DTP vaccine (adsorbed pertussis-diphtheria-tetanus), the first time it will be three months. Then twice more at intervals of six weeks. After a year do re-vaccination.

Lidia Ivanova

That protection is not diminished in the future needs to be done teenagers2019 Recommended Vaccinations for Children (7-18 Years Old) Parent-Friendly Format vaccination at 11-12 years. Adults - repeatTable 1. Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule for ages 19 years or older, United States, 2019vaccinations time in 10 years.