Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory tract caused by Bordetella pertussis. It is known for severe coughing fits that end with a "whooping" sound during inhalation.

Symptoms

Symptoms develop in stages over several weeks:

1. Catarrhal Stage (1–2 weeks):
   Resembles a common cold:

   • Mild fever
   • Runny nose
   • Mild cough
   • Sneezing
   • Fatigue

2. Paroxysmal Stage (1–6 weeks, sometimes longer):
   Severe coughing fits begin:

   • Intense, rapid coughing followed by a high-pitched "whoop."
   • Vomiting after coughing.
   • Exhaustion due to prolonged coughing episodes.
   • Cyanosis (bluish skin) may occur during fits in severe cases.

3. Convalescent Stage (Weeks to Months):
   Recovery phase:

   • Cough gradually becomes less severe.
   • Can last for weeks, with coughing triggered by irritants.

Complications

• In Children:
  • Pneumonia
  • Seizures
  • Brain damage (rare, due to lack of oxygen during coughing fits)
  • Malnutrition and dehydration
• In Adults:
  • Rib fractures from severe coughing
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Secondary bacterial infections

Transmission

• Spread through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or close contact.
• Highly contagious, especially during the catarrhal stage and early paroxysmal stage.

Diagnosis

• Clinical History: Persistent cough lasting more than 2 weeks with characteristic whooping sound.
• Laboratory Tests:
  • Nasopharyngeal swab for Bordetella pertussis.
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for rapid detection.
  • Serology tests for antibodies in older infections.

Treatment

1. Whooping cough can be treated with Homoeopathic medicines successfully.
2. Supportive Care:
   • Adequate hydration.
   • Small, frequent meals to prevent vomiting.
   • Avoid irritants like smoke.
3. Hospitalization: Required in severe cases, especially for infants, to provide oxygen and monitor complications.

Prevention