Pertussis is a disease caused by bacteria. Infants under 6 months of age are the most susceptible to infection. Due to the widespread immunization currently in place, this disease has become uncommon in developed countries.
The incubation period for pertussis is 7 days and it is divided into two stages. The first stage lasts 7-10 days and the symptoms that may appear include:
1. Brief dry cough at night.
2. Runny nose.
3. Mild fever.
The second stage of pertussis lasts 8-12 weeks, during which the following symptoms may occur:
1. Repeated brief dry coughs up to 10-20 times both during the day and at night.
2. After prolonged coughing fits, there is a deep inhalation accompanied by a whooping sound similar to a chicken's cry.
3. Coughing can cause vomiting.
4. Seizures may sometimes occur in the child.
In some cases, due to mucus blocking the bronchi, part of the lung may collapse.
If an infant under 6 months old exhibits any of these symptoms, contact a doctor immediately. A doctor may take a sample from the child’s throat for testing to confirm the diagnosis and may prescribe antibiotics for 10 days for the sick child and their siblings. Antibiotics can shorten the course of pertussis, but they are only more effective when administered early in the illness.
If a child turns blue or experiences seizures, especially if they are under 6 months old, hospitalization may be necessary. If the cough persists for over 6 weeks or the overall condition of the child worsens, an X-ray examination may be required.
Parents can feed the child soft foods and ensure they drink enough water. Gently patting the child’s back can help stop their coughing.
After treatment, the child’s cough may persist for several months, and in some cases, a viral infection in the second year may trigger coughing again. However, this disease rarely causes permanent damage to the lungs.