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Whooping Cough. By Helaina Dollins and Falon Fiorillo . Description . Also known as Pertussis. A bacterial disease that causes violent coughing and causes a whooping sound. Most common in infants and young children. . Respiratory. The bacteria thrive in the upper respiratory passages
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Whooping Cough By Helaina Dollins and Falon Fiorillo
Description • Also known as Pertussis. • A bacterial disease that causes violent coughing and causes a whooping sound. • Most common in infants and young children.
Respiratory • The bacteria thrive in the upper respiratory passages • The bacteria produces toxins that damage the tiny hairs (cilia) that are needed to remove particulate matter and cellular debris that are normally introduced into the airways with each breath. • This results in an increased inflammation of the respiratory passages and the typical dry cough which is the cause of the infection.
Causes • Bordetella pertussis bacteria
Symptoms • Coughing spells • Whooping sound while coughing. • Similar symptoms to common cold. • Runny nose. • Fever (102 or lower)
Treatment • If started early enough, antibiotics can make the symptoms go away more quickly. • Most patients are diagnosed too late, when antibiotics aren't very effective. • DTaP(Diphtheria Tetanus and Pertussis) vaccination, one of the recommended childhood immunizations, protects children against pertussis infection. Usually given to children at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years.
Recovery • Infection usually lasts no more than 6 weeks. • Serious cases in infants may cause the infant to stop breathing and can cause death.