Whooping cough

Whooping cough is a bacterial infection that causes severe coughing and trouble breathing. A course of antibiotics is used to treat the infection along with home treatment consisting of using a humidifier, drinking plenty of fluids, soups, juices, etc. to prevent dehydration. In modern times, doctors are able to prevent Whooping Symptoms of whooping cough Whooping The period between initial infection and when whooping cough is observable is about 5 to 10 days. In some cases, however, symptoms may not appear for as long as 3 weeks. The most common symptoms of whooping cough include: • Coughing, violently and rapidly, until all the air has left the • Sneezing • Nasal discharge • • Sore, • Lips, tongue, and nail beds Pertussis may last up to 10 weeks and can lead to other complications like Causes of whooping cough You can get whooping cough if a person who has it sneezes, laughs, or Once the Bordetella pertussis bacteria get into your airways, they attach to the tiny hairs in the linings of the lungs. The bacteria then causes swelling and inflammation that leads to a dry, long-lasting cough and other Although pertussis is easily spread from one person to another, children and adults who are at risk can prevent it with vaccination. This vaccine is commonly referred to as the DTaP. It is also effective in protecting against Adults may develop whooping cough as their immunity from Tests for whooping cough Your doctor will know if you have the diseases by determining if you have...

Overview A chronic cough is a cough that lasts eight weeks or longer in adults, or four weeks in children. A chronic cough is more than just an annoyance. A chronic cough can interrupt your sleep and leave you feeling exhausted. Severe cases of chronic cough can cause vomiting, lightheadedness and even rib fractures. Symptoms A chronic cough can occur with other signs and symptoms, which may include: • A runny or stuffy nose • A feeling of liquid running down the back of your throat (postnasal drip) • Frequent throat clearing and sore throat • Hoarseness • Wheezing and shortness of breath • Heartburn or a sour taste in your mouth • In rare cases, coughing up blood When to see a doctor See your doctor if you have a cough that lingers for weeks, especially one that brings up sputum or blood, disturbs your sleep, or affects school or work. Causes An occasional cough is normal — it helps clear irritants and secretions from your lungs and prevents infection. However, a cough that persists for weeks is usually the result of a medical problem. In many cases, more than one cause is involved. The following causes, alone or in combination, are responsible for the majority of cases of chronic cough: • Postnasal drip. When your nose or sinuses produce extra mucus, it can drip down the back of your throat and trigger your cough reflex. This condition is also called upper airway cough syndrome (UACS). • Asthma. An asthma-related cough may come and go with the seasons, appear after an up...