Treatments for Whooping Cough

Whooping cough is a respiratory condition that is caused by a bacterium called bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by coughing bouts that are marked by a whooping sound, caused due to the intake of breath. Whooping cough generally develops in children that are very young, who may have not yet completed the full course of vaccinations. It may also affect teenagers whose immunity may have faded. Whooping cough is a highly contagious condition. It may begin with symptoms such as a slight nasal discharge, cough and fever. But as the condition gets aggravated, it causes the nasal discharge to increase and become thicker. This results in severe congestion in the upper respiratory tract. This stage continues for around one to two weeks, after which comes the next stage. Coughing takes place forcefully for about five to ten times in a single bout. The child then inhales suddenly causing the characteristic sound that is associated with whooping cough. This intense coughing may result in the face turning red or blue. The eyes and tongue may also protrude due to the force. The child may also experience vomiting. Naturally such coughing bouts leave the child feeling extremely tired. This stage goes on for about two to four weeks, but may also last longer. Weight loss may take place during this stage. The severe spells of coughing may also lead to the appearance of tiny red spots on the skin surface of the upper body due to ruptures in the blood vessels. The coughing gradually reduces in frequency until it is gone. But sometimes the cough may linger for a few months after recovery too. Whooping cough, in severe cases, may result in pneumonia.

The treatment for the condition is dependent on the severity of symptoms and age of the individual. Mostly all infants below the age of 3 years are admitted to the hospital in order to reduce the risk of complications. For older children, teenagers and adults, the doctor generally prescribes antibiotics such as erythromycin along with bed rest. Antibiotics may not cure the condition, but they can reduce its duration and also the period of contagion. Whooping cough usually dissipates in six weeks, but may even take longer.

The best way to prevent whooping cough is with the pertussis vaccine, which is also given in combination with vaccines against diphtheria and tetanus. This is called the DTaP vaccine and it is best administered during infancy. If afflicted with whooping cough, it is advisable to give the child plenty of fluids and keep a watch for signs of dehydration such as dry lips and crying without tears. It is also important to keep the home free of irritants and to prevent transmission of the disease.