Whooping cough is a form of lung infection with a distinct whoop-like sound during breathing after several coughing episodes. Generally, adults typically recover from the condition, but it is a dangerous condition among infants.
What is the cause?
Whooping cough is brought about by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. One can become infected if exposed to someone who is coughing or sneezing.
Among adults or teenagers with whooping cough, it results to a mild, cold-like illness. Due to this, most are not aware that they are carrying the bacteria and passes it on to infants and children.
What are the indications?
The initial signs typically include:
- Runny nose
- Pink eyes
- Mild coughing
The cough might linger for a few weeks. Remember that the younger one is, the more severe the infection is likely to be where the cough continues to worsen and even result to vomiting. The coughing episodes are generally worse at night time.
Management of whooping cough
The doctor will prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria responsible for the infection. In case the individual starts using the drug early in the phase of the infection, it can shorten the course and prevent any severe symptoms from developing. Nevertheless, the antibiotics can prevent the spread of the infection to others, but cough is still present for a few weeks.
Other self-care measures include:
- Limit or cessation of smoking as well as avoidance of secondhand smoke exposure.
- Use a cool-mist humidifier to moisten the air to promote better breathing.
- Increase the intake of fluids to loosen the mucus and make it easier to expel. It is also recommended to drink warm liquids as well.
- Avoid the potential triggers for coughing such as perfumes, smoke or pollutants