Pertussis, also called whooping cough, spreads easily and is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It infects the respiratory system and can move from one person to another through breath or touching respiratory fluids of someone sick. Babies, especially if not vaccinated, face the highest risk.
In infants, the disease shows up in stages. It starts with a time without any symptoms, moves to symptoms like those of a regular cold, and then severe bouts of coughing. These coughing fits can cause a high-pitched whooping sound and sometimes lead to coughing so hard they throw up.
The sickness can lead to other serious conditions such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and in some cases, stopping breathing. The main treatments are antibiotics and relief for the symptoms. Getting vaccinated is the best way to avoid pertussis, but spotting it early is also key to stop it spreading.
Key Takeaways:
- Pertussis is a very contagious disease, spread by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium.
- The illness starts mild, like a cold, then has severe coughing with a distinctive whooping sound and vomiting at times.
- If babies are not vaccinated, they are most at risk for serious problems.
- Doctors treat it with antibiotics and by easing symptoms, while getting vaccinated is the best way to avoid it.
- Stem cell therapy is being studied as a potential new treatment for pertussis and its complications.
Causes and Transmission of Pertussis
Pertussis, also called whooping cough, is caused by Bordetella pertussis. It’s very contagious and spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The disease can also spread through contact with an infected person’s secretions. The Bordetella pertussis bacteria spread easily and are most contagious during the first three weeks of coughing.
Anyone can get pertussis, but it’s especially dangerous for infants. Babies under 1 year old have the highest risk, particularly if they are not vaccinated. The disease can be very severe for young children.
Vaccination and good hygiene are key for prevention. Covering the mouth and nose while coughing is important. Early treatment is crucial to stop the disease from spreading further.
Knowing how pertussis spreads lets us protect ourselves and others. Being proactive helps to combat this serious disease.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Pertussis
Pertussis, known as whooping cough, affects infants more severely. At first, it seems like a common cold with a cough. This makes it hard to tell apart from other illnesses.
The key sign of pertussis is the intense coughing that follows. Babies might make a whooping sound when breathing in. They can also vomit after coughing, and their face may turn red or pale. Additionally, they can have swollen neck veins, watery eyes, and a runny nose.
To diagnose pertussis, doctors look at the patient’s history and run tests. They often use a swab test to check for the Bordetella pertussis bacteria in the throat. This test works best when the cough starts.
If the cough has lasted several weeks in older patients, they might do a blood test. This test measures certain antibodies to confirm if it’s pertussis.
Quick and accurate diagnosis is key to stop the disease from spreading, especially to kids. That’s why doctors need to be sharp in spotting these symptoms and testing promptly.
Image: Illustration of a medical professional performing a swab test to diagnose pertussis.
Stem Cell Therapy for Pertussis
Stem cell therapy is a new way to treat pertussis and its effects. It’s different from using only antibiotics. Instead, it helps the body repair the damage the disease causes in the respiratory system.
This therapy uses the special healing abilities of stem cells. It speeds up recovery and lowers the chance of severe problems from pertussis. So far, it has worked well for various lung issues. More studies are looking into its benefits for pertussis patients.
Using stem cell therapy to fight pertussis is a big step in medical science. It could be a new choice or one to use with the usual treatments. People hope it will help patients and their families. With ongoing research, the complete effect of this therapy may bring better care for those with pertussis.