Whooping Cough

Overview

The respiratory condition known as whooping cough is caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It is very contagious and spread through air droplets. It is also known as pertussis, which means "a strong cough" in English. Runny nose, a little cough, and fever are common cold-like symptoms at the beginning of the illness. A dry, lingering cough that makes breathing difficult may appear in two weeks. A dangerous symptom known as apnea, which is a halt in breathing, could develop in patients. It can be challenging to distinguish whooping cough from other common respiratory ailments such a cold, the flu, or bronchitis because the signs and symptoms are similar. Diagnosis can be made on the basis of nose and throat culture. All ages should have the whooping cough vaccine. The diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough vaccines are administered together as a combination vaccine to prevent whooping cough (pertussis). Medicine like antibiotics can treat whooping cough.