Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. This disease can cause severe coughing fits that can last for weeks or even months. Whooping cough can be especially dangerous for infants and young children, making early diagnosis and vaccination critical for preventing the spread of the infection. At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, we offer expert care and guidance for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of whooping cough, ensuring that your child stays healthy and safe. Our team, with convenient locations in Glenwood Park, Brookhaven, and Decatur, serves families across Atlanta.
Symptoms of Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Whooping cough usually develops in stages, with symptoms initially resembling those of a common cold. As the infection progresses, the cough worsens and becomes more persistent. Common symptoms of whooping cough include:
Mild Cough and Runny Nose
Early symptoms often mimic those of a cold, including mild coughing, sneezing, and a runny nose.
Fever
A low-grade fever may accompany the initial symptoms.
Severe Coughing Fits
After 1 to 2 weeks, the cough becomes more severe, with fits of rapid coughing followed by a distinctive “whooping” sound as the person tries to catch their breath. The coughing fits may be so intense that they cause vomiting or exhaustion.
Breathing Difficulties
Infants and young children may struggle to breathe during a coughing fit, with some showing signs of turning blue due to a lack of oxygen.
Exhaustion
The persistent coughing often leads to fatigue, especially in young children.
The coughing phase of whooping cough can last for several weeks, and it is sometimes referred to as the 100-day cough due to its prolonged duration.
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Why Whooping Cough Is Dangerous for Infants
While whooping cough can affect individuals of all ages, it is particularly dangerous for infants, especially those under 6 months of age who are too young to be fully vaccinated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infants are at a higher risk of complications such as:
Pneumonia
The most common complication, which can lead to difficulty breathing and hospitalization.
Apnea
Periods where the infant temporarily stops breathing.
Seizures
Some infants may experience seizures due to the severity of the coughing fits.
Brain Damage
In rare cases, severe coughing fits can result in a lack of oxygen to the brain.
It’s crucial to protect infants from whooping cough through vaccination and by ensuring that family members and caregivers are up-to-date on their pertussis vaccinations.
Treatment for Whooping Cough in Atlanta
The primary treatment for whooping cough involves antibiotics, which can help reduce the severity and duration of the infection if administered early. In addition to antibiotics, the following care strategies can help manage symptoms and prevent complications:
Antibiotics
Your pediatrician will prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection. Early treatment can help reduce the contagiousness and prevent the spread of the infection to others.
Hydration
Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, especially during periods of fever or prolonged coughing fits.
Rest
Ensure your child gets plenty of rest to support their body in recovering from the infection.
Hospitalization for Infants
In severe cases, particularly for infants, hospitalization may be required for close monitoring, oxygen therapy, or other supportive treatments.
Vaccination to Prevent Whooping Cough
The best way to protect your child from whooping cough is through vaccination. The DTaP vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, is given to children at specific intervals during their early years. According to the CDC, the vaccine is highly effective at preventing whooping cough and is administered in the following schedule:
First Dose
2 months of age
Second Dose
4 months of age
Third Dose
6 months of age
Fourth Dose
15-18 months of age
Fifth Dose
4-6 years of age
In addition to the DTaP vaccine, adolescents and adults should receive a booster called Tdap to maintain immunity. The Tdap booster is especially important for pregnant women and anyone who will be around young infants to provide additional protection for those too young to be vaccinated.
Preventing the Spread of Whooping Cough
Whooping cough is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. To prevent the spread of whooping cough:
Vaccination
Ensure your child is up-to-date on their DTaP vaccine and that all family members or caregivers receive the Tdap booster if needed.
Good Hygiene
Teach your child to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing.
Avoid Close Contact
Keep your child away from individuals who may be showing symptoms of whooping cough, and avoid crowded areas during outbreaks.
Stay Home if Sick
If your child develops symptoms of whooping cough, keep them home from school or daycare and seek medical attention immediately.
When to Call a Pediatrician
If your child begins to develop symptoms of whooping cough, such as persistent coughing fits or difficulty breathing, it’s important to seek medical care right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the severity of the illness and help prevent the spread of the infection to others.
Contact your pediatrician if:
- Your child has a severe cough lasting more than a week
- They experience prolonged coughing fits that make it hard to breathe
- They develop vomiting, turning blue, or extreme fatigue after coughing
- You have a young infant showing symptoms of whooping cough
At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, our pediatricians are dedicated to providing comprehensive care to diagnose and treat whooping cough and prevent its spread.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whooping Cough
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While the DTaP vaccine is highly effective, no vaccine offers 100% protection. Vaccinated children may still contract whooping cough, but the symptoms are typically much milder.
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Whooping cough is most contagious during the first two weeks after symptoms begin, even before the coughing fits start. Without treatment, it can remain contagious for up to 3 weeks after the onset of coughing.
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Whooping cough is diagnosed through a physical exam, review of symptoms, and laboratory tests, including a swab of the nose or throat to detect the Bordetella pertussis bacteria.
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Yes, adults can contract whooping cough, especially if they have not received the Tdap booster. It is recommended that adults, especially those around infants, get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.
Schedule an Appointment for Whooping Cough Care in Atlanta
If your child is showing symptoms of whooping cough or is due for a pertussis vaccination, contact Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine at (404) 446-4726 to schedule an appointment. Our expert pediatricians are here to provide comprehensive care at our locations in Glenwood Park, Brookhaven, and Decatur, serving families throughout Atlanta.