|
|
|
PertussisPertussis more commonly known as whooping cough is caused by a bacterium (germ) Bordetella pertussis that lives in the mouth nose and throat. Symptoms of the infection include prolonged violent coughing spasms that often cause thick mucus and severe inhaling difficulties. Although it initially resembles an ordinary cold whooping cough may eventually turn more serious particularly in infants. Before a vaccine was available, pertussis killed 5,000 to 10,000 people in the United States each year. Pertussis vaccine is most commonly given in combination with the vaccines for diphtheria and tetanus in the vaccine known as “DPT.” Since then, however, the incidence of whooping cough has been increasing, primarily among children too young to have completed the full course of vaccinations and teenagers whose immunity has faded. With proper care, most teenagers and adults recover from whooping cough without complications. Whooping cough is more serious in children, especially infants younger than 6 months of age. Treatment of whooping cough is supportive, meaning that treatment is directed at the symptoms, e.g., cough; however, young infants often need hospitalization if the coughing becomes severe. Pertussis is a very contagious disease of the mucous membranes that line the air passages. Worldwide, there are 30–50 million pertussis cases and about 300,000 deaths per year (World Health Organization data). But in recent years, the number of cases has started to rise. By 2004, the number of whooping cough cases spiked past 25,000, the highest level it's been since the 1950s. Although whooping cough can occur at any age, it's most severe in unimmunized children and in infants under 1 year of age (early immunization can usually prevent this serious disease in babies). It is much milder in teens, adults, and in immunized children but it can still be a real nuisance. As you might guess, it can be far worse in people with asthma or with immune deficiencies . Whooping cough is most severe and more likely to cause complications, such as pneumonia , when it occurs in the first 4 months of life, especially in babies who are born prematurely or who have not been immunized. Older adults also are at increased risk for complications. Causes of PertussisThe common Causes of Pertussis :
Symptoms of PertussisSome Symptoms of Pertussis :
Treatment of Pertussis
|
|
|
Home | Links 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | |
Disclaimer : All information on diseases-conditions.org is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your doctor.
