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| WHOOPING COUGH |
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Definition
Whooping cough is a serious childhood disease, more commonly occurring in babies under one
year of age.
Causative Organism
It is caused by a bacteria (B. Pertusis)
Symptoms
| a. |
The disease begins like a ordinary cold
with mild cough. The cough gradually worsens and after two weeks, the child starts having
prolonged and severe cough. Sometimes there is a whooping noise as the child draws in
breath after coughing. This characteristic whoop gives the disease the name of Whooping
Cough. Sometimes because of the whoop, the child finds it difficult to breathe. |
| b. |
Vomiting after prolonged bout of coughing
is a common occurrence. The child is unable to feed properly and that makes the child weak
and debilitated. This stage continues for two to four weeks, after which the child takes
another two to four weeks to recover. |
Complications
a. |
Serious life threatening pneumonia and long complications may occur. |
b. |
He may develop bleeding in the eye or even a rib fracture due to intense
forceful coughing. |
c. |
Fits or convulsions may also be another complication. |
Prevention
Whooping cough (Pertusis) vaccine is given as a part of the DPT injections (Diptheria,
Pertusis, Tetanus). The vaccine is started early in infancy (at the age of 6 weeks and 3
doses are given at 4 weekly intervals). Booster vaccines are followed up.
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