WHAT IS WHOOPING COUGH

Whooping Cough is a contagious respiratory infection that is spread from one person to another by coughing or sneezing. It's caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, and can be prevented by the pertussis vaccine, given in the first six months of a baby's life. Whooping cough causes a runny nose, mild fever, and a severe cough. Sometimes the coughing can cause vomiting. Whooping cough can cause severe, sometimes life-threatening, illness in babies and children. Whooping cough used to be a common childhood illness, but the pertussis vaccine has made it much less common.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF WHOOPING COUGH

Cough, Fever, Shortness of breath, Watery eyes, Blue colored lips, Blue colored skin, Runny nose, Sneezing, Color change, Nasal congestion

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

Diagnosis: The diagnosis of Whooping Cough is done by a physical examination, review of medical history and through diagnostic tests like blood tests, a nose or throat culture, or chest X-rays.

Treatment: Adults and older children can usually treat the symptoms of whooping cough at home. In some cases, your doctor may recommend antibiotics. Infants and young children may need treatment in a hospital. Some children may need oxygen, IV fluids, and sedatives.

Home Care: Adults can older children can often ease the symptoms of whooping cough at home by: 

1.Getting plenty of rest 

2.Drinking lots of fluids 

3.Taking warm showers or baths 

4.Eating smaller meals to help prevent vomiting

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

Especially in case of children with symptoms of whooping cough, get emergency care if you or your child has difficulty breathing, seizures, a high fever, persistent vomiting, a bluish skin color, or dehydration.