Pertussis meaning

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, remains a public health concern despite expanded immunization recommendations over the past three decades. The presentation of pertussis, which is variable and evolves over the course of the disease, includes nonspecific symptoms in the catarrhal stage, coughing with the classic whooping in the paroxysmal stage, and persistent cough in the convalescent stage. When there is clinical suspicion for pertussis, the diagnosis should be confirmed using polymerase chain reaction testing, which has replaced culture as the preferred confirmatory test. Recent evidence has confirmed a waning of acquired immunity following pertussis immunization or infection, leading to changes in tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) immunization recommendations. Patients 11 years or older should receive at least one dose of Tdap, although Tdap may replace any dose of the tetanus and diphtheria toxoids (Td) vaccine. All pregnant patients should receive Tdap between 27 and 36 weeks' gestation with each pregnancy to convey immunity to the newborn. Cocooning (vaccinating close contacts of high-risk individuals) is no longer recommended because immunized patients can still contract and transmit pertussis. A history of seizure or hypotonic-hyporesponsive episodes after a prior pertussis vaccination is no longer a contraindication to immunization. Antibiotic treatment is intended to prevent transmission of pertussis to others and d...

Whooping Cough (Pertussis) in Children What is whooping cough in children? Whooping cough (pertussis) is a contagious illness. It causes intense fits (paroxysms) of coughing. It mainly affects babies and young children. Whooping cough used to be called the "100-day cough" because it can last for weeks to months. The illness often starts like the common cold, with a runny nose, sneezing, and a mild cough or fever. After 1 to 2 weeks, severe coughing starts. The cough often ends with a whooping sound as air is inhaled. During coughing spells, it's hard for babies and children to eat, drink, or breathe. These spells can last for weeks. In babies, it may cause periods of not breathing (apnea). Whooping cough is worse for children younger than age 1. It's fatal is some cases. The pertussis vaccine can help prevent the illness. But the vaccine is not 100% effective. And epidemics have occurred in areas where vaccine rates have fallen. If pertussis is spreading in an area, there is a chance that a person who has had the vaccine can still catch the disease. The vaccine's protection also wears off over time. Teens and adults who have not had a booster may spread the disease during an outbreak. What causes whooping cough in a child? Whooping cough is caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It's very contagious. It’s spread from child to child through coughing and sneezing. Once the bacteria are in a child's airways, it causes swelling of the airways and mucus. Which children are at...

Signs and symptoms of whooping cough The symptoms usually start as a • Stage I: Catarrhal: This stage lasts for one to two weeks. This stage is highly contagious. • • Mild cough, which becomes severe in later stages • Difficulty • Runny nose • Stage II: Paroxysmal: This stage lasts for 6 to 10 weeks after the initial infection. • Severe coughing spells are seen • Between coughing spells, the child may gasp for breath, drool, and become teary-eyed • When the cough is severe, it is followed by • • Increased paroxysmal (episodic) attacks, especially when they are triggered in the nighttime • The frequency of attacks remains the same for the first two weeks and then gradually decreases • Stage III: Convalescent: • At this stage, the cough will get decrease • No longer contagious • Followed by various other respiratory infections What are the complications of whooping cough? Complications of whooping cough are more severe in children than in adults. Complications usually occur due to long-term coughing, such as: • A • An abdominal • Urinary • • • QUESTION Which illness is known as a viral upper respiratory tract infection? See Answer How is whooping cough diagnosed? Diagnosis of whooping cough in the initial stages is crucial to prevent further symptoms and the spread of infection from infected individuals to healthy individuals. Your doctor will do a physical examination and ask for the symptoms. The diagnosis is made mainly based on a severe cough that lasts more than two wee...

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a very contagious respiratory infection that causes a distinctive “whooping” cough. The condition can cause bouts of repeated, violent coughing that may come and go and last for weeks or months. Pertussis can cause severe, life-threatening illness, especially in babies. The pertussis vaccine can help prevent it. Overview What is whooping cough? Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a very contagious Instead of coughing spells, babies with pertussis may have breathing difficulties. This includes conditions such as apnea, when there are pauses in their breathing. Whooping cough can cause serious, life-threatening complications in babies. About one-third of all infants (babies younger than 1 year old) who get whooping cough need treatment at a hospital. The What does whooping cough sound like? Prolonged Who does whooping cough affect? Pertussis can affect anyone, but it most often occurs in babies, children and adolescents. Babies are especially vulnerable to infection because they can’t receive the pertussis vaccine until they’re at least 2 months old. They can catch whooping cough from their parents, adult caregivers or other children. Can adults get whooping cough? Yes. But whooping cough in adults is generally milder than in babies and children. This is especially true for adults who’ve received the whooping cough vaccine. The infection may seem more like the However, adults can develop serious cases of whooping cough, especially if they ...