Pertussis is a dangerous infectious disease of the respiratory tract caused by bacteria. The most characteristic sign for him is spasmodic coughing in fits. In most cases, they are affected by preschool children. This disease is especially dangerous for babies up to two years.
Symptoms of pertussis in a child and the causes
Only another person can become a source. Especially dangerous are those who are at the initial stage of the disease - from the first to the twenty-fifth day. The incubation period is a period of one to two weeks, but not more than three.
Symptoms of pertussis in a child and the stage of the disease
The disease itself can last for six weeks. There are several stages: catarrhal, paroxysmal and recovery.
The catarrhal period lasts for one to two weeks, accompanied by a runny nose, sneezing, sometimes an increase in body temperature and a cough that does not become less from the means used. By the third week, he is getting stronger. The cough takes the form of seizures, especially at night, and the disease begins to pass into the paroxysmal stage. From the third to the fourth week there is a spastic cough with sputum. With attacks, the patient turns red, protrudes the tongue, the
frenum of the tongue can be injured
, sometimes hemorrhage in the mucous membrane of the eye can occur. It is worth remembering that the symptoms of pertussis in an infant are not manifested by typical coughing attacks. Instead, after a few tremors of coughing, breathing stops for a while, and this can be very life threatening. With the recovery of coughing attacks, it becomes less and less, the patient begins to feel normal. Such a cough can occur again during the first few months after the illness, as a rule, an ordinary cold can become a provocateur.
Symptoms of pertussis in a child and possible complications
The most common complication is pneumonia, which is caused by pertussis bacillus or secondary bacterial infection. In a particularly severe form, with a high percentage of deaths, pertussis occurs in children in the first months of life.
Whooping cough in children: symptoms, treatment, and what can you do?
If you suspect pertussis, consult a doctor immediately. This is a very dangerous disease and must be treated under the strict supervision of a physician. Sick children (especially at a young age) are recommended to ensure maximum rest, since external stimuli can again cause coughing attacks. For older children with a mild course of the disease, bed rest is not necessary. Avoid coughing. It is recommended to walk outdoors more often and to air the room.
What can a doctor advise?
It is required to be vaccinated on time - and diphtheria, whooping cough will be bypassed. You must also be examined by a doctor. Hospitalization of the patient is possible only in the most severe cases. The basis of treatment are macrolide antibiotics.