Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a very serious respiratory infection caused by bacteria. It affects both the nose and throat of the human body. It spreads very easily and can be deadly but thankfully, it can be prevented by vaccines
Whooping cough is no respecter of age or person. It affects both adults and children alike. It is also an airborne communicable disease. If an individual suffering from this cough sneezes or coughs, small droplets containing the bacteria flying through the air might be inhaled by an healthy person. If this happens, the healthy person may soon fall sick.
There are certain SYMPTOMS that are associated with WHOOPING COUGH which include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Mild coughing
- Mild fever
Whooping cough usually ends with a whooping sound immediately the cough starts, it’s usually dry without mucus.
Babies and children under the age of 18 months with the cough need adequate and special attention because continuous coughing could stop them from breathing.
Whooping cough can last for as long as 3-6 weeks. It is possible to come down with the disease even after vaccination however, that rarely happens.
We need to try as much as possible to vaccinate our children, who probably seem to have the symptoms of this bacterial ailment. Babies with a severe case of whooping cough will need the doctor’s attention.
WAYS TO TREAT WHOOPING COUGH
- The use of ANTIBIOTICS can reduce coughing and the severe symptoms. Antibiotic prevents the disease from spreading to other people.
- If you notice a coughing spell that sounds so bad or that keeps you away from taking liquid fluids, you need to see a doctor or medical experts as this can lead to dehydration.
- Avoid using drugs that can make you cough up mucus to treat whooping cough, such as: cough suppressants, expectorants and over the counter cough medicines, they could have negative side effects on you.
