Whooping Cough: What does it mean?
Pertussis is also called whooping cough. It's a contagious, highly infectious bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system. The disease is transmitted by contact with saliva, mucus or sputum from infected persons. It can lead to severe symptoms such as a cough that lasts for several weeks or even months. This can make it hard to breathe, eat and drink and can also cause nausea. This disease is particularly dangerous for young children, who might have trouble breathing because of their small stature.
The most preventable disease that can be vaccinated against is whooping cough. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 16 million people suffer from whooping cough each year. About 195,000 of these deaths are caused by whooping cough each year, most commonly in young infants.
What Causes Whooping Cough?
Bordetella pertussis is the bacteria that causes whooping cough. Infected persons have it in their Nose s and throats. It spreads by direct contact with the respiratory droplets that are released from their coughs and sneezes. Indirect contact can be made with objects contaminated by the bacteria.
Living in close quarters or with others, like daycare centres or families with many family members or students, or being ill, are all factors that can increase your risk of getting whooping cough.
There are several common treatments for whooping cough
Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for whooping cold. They can reduce severity and lengthen the duration. People at highest risk for complications such as infants and pregnant women are often given antibiotics. Antibiotics must be started as soon as symptoms begin.
To help manage symptoms, you can also use supportive treatment. They include pain relief, Cough Suppressants and Decongestants . Hospitalization is sometimes necessary in some instances, particularly for children and people with weak immune systems.
Views of Experts on Whooping Cough
Experts agree that vaccination is the best method to stop whooping cough. WHO suggests that infants and young children are vaccinated against whooping cough using combined vaccines to protect against Diphtheria and Tetanus and pertussis. Adults and adolescents can also get vaccines.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that vaccinations are the best way to prevent whooping cough. According to the CDC, infants should be vaccinated against whooping cold at 2-6 months, 4-6 months, 6 months, and 4-6 months. Boost shots are recommended at 15-18 and 4-6 years.
To prevent whooping cough spreading, it is essential to practice good hygiene in addition to getting vaccinated. It includes hand washing and covering your nose when you cough or sneeze.
There are natural remedies and tips for whooping cough
There are natural ways to relieve whooping cough symptoms, and you should seek medical attention. They include:
- Keep hydrated. To help ease coughing and thin mucus, it is essential to drink plenty of fluids.
- Get enough rest. The body can fight infection by getting enough rest.
- Use a humidifier. Humidifiers can be used to keep your air moist and can relieve you from coughing.
- Salt water can be used to gargle. Salt water may reduce swelling in the throat, as well as provide relief for coughing.
- You can also take over-the-counter medication. The use of over-the-counter medication, like Antihistamines or decongestants can reduce the symptoms associated with coughing.
A whooping cough outbreak can also be prevented by practicing good hygiene. Avoid contact with sick people, wash your hands frequently, cover your nose when you cough or sneeze, and use caution.
Conclusion
A highly contagious, bacterial infection that causes severe symptoms in the respiratory system is called whooping cough. The infection is transmitted by contact with saliva, mucus or sputum from infected persons. Antibiotics are the mainstay of whooping cough treatment. They can reduce severity and lengthen symptoms. Experts recommend that you get vaccinated to lower your chance of getting whooping cough. You can also try natural methods to relieve the symptoms such as drinking lots of water and getting enough rest.
Whooping cough can be life-threatening and serious. While vaccination is the best method to avoid whooping cough (and it's the most effective way), you should seek immediate medical attention if you believe you have the illness.