Whooping cough (pertussis)

What is whooping cough?

Whooping cough is an infection of the respiratory tract, which can cause severe symptoms, especially in unvaccinated newborns and young infants.

The disease usually appears in older children and adults as a simple cold with coughing and maybe a little fever.

The cough can seem more like an irritable cough, which can be a problem day and night that can become persistent.

Whooping cough is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis and is very contagious.

The infection is carried by saliva and mucus from the nose, spreading through sneezing, coughing and direct contact with the infected secretions.

The incubation period (the time between infection and the onset of symptoms) lasts 5 to 21 days, usually for about a week.

The infection can be spread to others, especially if antibiotic treatment is not started.

Treatment / What you should do

You should consult a physician if you suspect that your child has whooping cough.

The cough can be diagnosed by taking a mucus swab from the nose or with a blood test.

Whooping cough is usually treated with antibiotics for up to 2 weeks.

Your physician will also consider treating those near you, especially those who have cold-like symptoms and have not been fully vaccinated. The risk of infection is considered to be over once 5 days has passed from the start of the antibiotic treatment.

In addition to an antibiotic, the child should receive soothing treatment by being given plenty of fluids and, when appropriate, nose drops.

Cough syrups are rarely effective, but a cool-mist vaporizer can often ease the child's discomfort.

Make sure that the child is not exposed to aerosol sprays, tobacco smoke and other substances, which can irritate the respiratory passages.

In addition, make sure that the child does not become dehydrated. Allow the child to have smaller, but more frequent meals.