Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. In addition to causing severe coughing fits, this bacterial infection also affects the airways. Here are some things you should know about pertussis:
Causes
An infected person spreads pertussis through respiratory droplets when he coughs or sneezes, caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Upon attaching to the airways, the bacteria release toxins that damage the respiratory tract, causing inflammation and coughing. In the early stages of an infection, when symptoms are mild, pertussis is highly contagious, making it easy to spread to others.
Symptoms
In the early stages of pertussis, symptoms may resemble those of a common cold or respiratory infection. However, as the infection progresses, severe coughing fits may occur, often accompanied by a distinctive "whooping" sound when the person attempts to breathe in after coughing. Aside from coughing fits, other symptoms may include vomiting, fatigue, and breathing difficulties.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pertussis is usually based on a medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. A healthcare provider may inquire about symptoms, recent exposure to pertussis, and vaccination history. As part of a physical examination, you may find signs such as rapid breathing, fever, and the characteristic "whooping" sound during coughing fits. Bacteria such as Bordetella pertussis can be detected through laboratory tests such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or culture of respiratory secretions.
Treatment
It may involve a combination of supportive care and antibiotics to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and reduce infection spread. To relieve fever and cough, you may need to rest, drink fluids, and take over-the-counter medications. An antibiotic, such as azithromycin or erythromycin, may be prescribed to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms and prevent the spread of infection to others, particularly close contacts.
Prevention
The most effective way to prevent pertussis is to vaccinate and take precautions so that the infection does not spread. It is recommended to vaccinate children with the pertussis vaccine (included in the DTaP and Tdap vaccines). The pertussis vaccine should be given to children at an early age and followed by booster doses during adolescence and adulthood. The risk of pertussis infection can also be reduced by practicing good respiratory hygiene, such as covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands frequently, and avoiding close contact with individuals known to have the disease.
