Defining Pertussis Infections

Pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory disease. The name whooping cough derives from the high pitched sound the pertussis sufferer makes when he or she coughs. Approximately 6,000 cases of pertussis are diagnosed yearly in the United States. Pertussis infections have been making a steady incline since the 1980's.

Pertussis commonly infects infants and younger children. This may be due to close contact with infected playmates, introduction of bacterium in the mouth, or poor hand washing. There is a vaccine currently administered that works to prevent pertussis. The pertussis vaccine is commonly administered with the diphtheria and tetanus vaccines. The combination vaccine is called DTP. The pertussis vaccination does not provide life time immunity. The pertussis vaccination must be read ministered in adulthood to continue the protection. Many adults fail to receive the follow up injection. As a result of this, many teenagers and adult become infected with pertussis.

Pertussis is a condition that features several distinctive stages.

The first stage of pertussis is known as the catarrhal stage. The catarrhal stage lasts for approximately 1 to 2 weeks. The symptoms experienced in this first stage include sneezing, runny nose, fever, and a mild non productive cough. Many people do not recognize the need for medical attention in this beginning stage.

The second stage of pertussis is known as the paroxysmal stage. The paroxysmal stages lasts for approximately 1 to 6weeks. Severe cases may last up to 10 weeks. The symptoms have gradually worsened leading to this second stage. The sufferer may begin to suspect that the condition is not the common cold. Paroxysms (bursts) of coughing occur during this stages. The coughing spells are followed by a high pitched whooping sound upon inhalation. There is a build up of thick mucous in the lungs of the sufferer. Pertussis attacks may become very severe leaving the sufferer cyanotic. Vomiting secondary to pertussis infection usually follows the paroxysmal attacks. Paroxysmal episodes usually occur at night.

The third stage of pertussis is known as the convalescent stage. In this final recovery stage, the cough becomes less and less violent. The paroxysmal episodes usually disappear 2 to 4 weeks in the convalescent stage.

The health care provider determines the diagnosis of pertussis through clinical examination and medical history. The whooping sound associated with pertussis is easily recognized. Laboratory tests may also be ordered to confirm the pertussis diagnosis. Sputum cultures are routinely obtained and examined.

Antibiotic therapy is a prime treatment for the pertussis infection. This therapy is recommended for sufferers who have had pertussis for less than 21 days. People who have had pertussis longer than 21 days may also receive antibiotic therapy. Currently, there is no treatment that addresses the paroxysms associated with pertussis.