Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

Can whooping cough be prevented?

An effective vaccine against the pertussis bacteria is available and provided as part of regular adult and child vaccination programs in most countries.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is whooping cough?

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects mostly young children under the age of two years. It is a potentially serious condition that can cause major complications and even death.

What are the symptoms of whooping cough?

At first, the symptoms of whooping cough resemble those of the common cold. After a week or two, a distinctive whooping cough often appears, coming in fits of rapid coughs. It lasts for several weeks. Some individuals may have a non-specific cough …

What causes whooping cough?

Whooping cough is caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. These bacteria infect the airways and cause inflammation.

Who gets whooping cough?

Babies and young children are in most danger of developing whooping cough and its complications.

How is whooping cough diagnosed?

Your doctor will diagnose whooping cough by your symptoms, particularly the distinctive cough. Your doctor may also wish to take a mucus sample from the throat to test for the presence of the pertussis bacteria, or carry out a blood test.

How is whooping cough treated?

Antibiotic treatment can help ease the symptoms of whooping cough if started early enough, and prevent further infection.

Can whooping cough be cured?

Whooping cough normally goes away naturally after a few weeks or months. In babies and young children, medical attention may be required.

What can be done at home to treat whooping cough?

For light cases of whooping cough, bed rest, drinking plenty of liquids and clearing mucus from the airways can help ease the symptoms.

Is whooping cough contagious?

Whooping cough is very contagious. A person infected with pertussis bacteria is very likely to infect others who come into contact with them, such as family members. The infection spreads via coughs and sneezes that spread the bacteria into the air and onto …

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

The flu (influenza)

The flu, or influenza, is a common viral infection, which causes fevers, headache, coughing and muscle aches. It is different to the common cold, which usually has relatively milder symptoms. Rarely, complications can occur with the elderly, children and people with weakened immune systems.…
Diseases & conditions

Cough

Coughing is your body's way of getting rid of any foreign material or mucus in your lungs. Coughing can be a response to breathing in dust or fumes that irritate the nerve endings in the airways, or can be a symptom of a medical problem, such as a lung infection caused by bacteria or a virus, or a long-term lung disease such as asthma.…
Diseases & conditions

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a common condition that occurs when the lungs become inflamed. It causes coughing and difficult breathing. Acute bronchitis refers to the short-term type, and may occur in the aftermath of cold or flu. While the cough may be severe, it typically lasts for only a few weeks.…
Diseases & conditions

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection, usually caused by bacteria or viruses, often after a cold or flu. It causes air sacs in the lung to fill with fluid and mucus, affecting breathing. Pneumonia can be more serious in children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.…
Diseases & conditions

Tetanus

Tetanus is an infection which usually occurs when a particular bacteria contaminates an open wound. After infection, the tetanus bacteria release a toxin which attaches to nerve cells and causes muscles to spasm. Tetanus is a serious condition and can lead to death if left untreated.…
Diseases & conditions

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that may cause a fever, breathing difficulties and swollen lymph nodes. Without treatment, it can lead to severe complications. It is now a rare condition in developed nations due to the widespread use of the diphtheria vaccine.…

About this article

Author: Dr Idan Ben-Barak PhD, MSc, BSc (Med)
First answered: 03 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Votes: 1190 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: The flu (influenza)

×

Content goes in here.