What is whooping cough?

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What is whooping cough?

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By Dr Ananya Mandal, MD

Whooping cough is an infectious disease also called Pertussis. It is an infection of the airways and the mucus layers lining it.

It affects the windpipe (trachea) and the branches of the windpipe or the bronchi.

The characteristic feature of the condition is a typical hacking cough that is followed by a sharp intake of breath which sounds like a “whoop”.

The condition is also called the “100 day cough”. Some patients also develop other features like fever, runny nose, vomiting after coughing bouts etc. (1, 2, 3)

http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-whooping-cough.aspx

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Symptoms of whooping cough

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By Dr Ananya Mandal, MD

Whooping cough or Pertussis is an infectious disease that can be life threatening or fatal in infants but less serious in adults and adolescents.

The infection caused by a bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which spreads from the infected individual to others via mucus droplets in air released through bouts of coughing and sneezing. These are laden with the bacteria and infect the airways of the exposed.

http://www.news-medical.net/health/Symptoms-of-whooping-cough.aspx

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Treatment of whooping cough

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By Dr Ananya Mandal, MD

Whooping cough or Pertussis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria Bordetella pertussis.

Mild cases can be managed at home with adequate rest and fluids and antibiotics. Severe cases however may need hospital admission.

There are a few possible treatments for whooping cough including antibiotics, supportive therapy and so forth. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

http://www.news-medical.net/health/Treatment-of-whooping-cough.aspx