Wikis > Paediatrics > General Paediatrics > Childhood Illnesses & Diseases > Whooping Cough/Pertussis
Whooping Cough/Pertussis:
Highly infectious bacterial infection of respiratory tract – due to Bordetella pertussis (releases a toxin that causes a necrosis of mucosa) – spread by droplet infection. 90% < 5 years. Incubation of 7-14 days.
Clinical features – initially have conjunctivitis, rhinitis and unproductive cough (catarrhal stage) progresses to severe coughing with high pitched inspiratory whoop (paroxysmal stage) cough gradually decreases (convalescent stage).
Complications bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchiectasis, convulsions
Treatment – erythromycin; fluid intake encouraged; nutritious diet to prevent weight loss; observation for respiratory stress
Prevention - immunisation
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