Lower respiratory tract diseases - Whooping cough (pertussis) Flashcards
Definition
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. The disease is characterised by severe coughing fits that can last for several weeks or even months, and are often followed by a characteristic “whooping” sound as the patient gasps for air.
Aetiology/ causes
Whooping cough is caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis, which is highly contagious and is transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The bacteria typically attach to the cilia (tiny hairs) that line the upper respiratory tract, causing inflammation and damage to the airways.
Risk factors
Risk factors: Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable to whooping cough, as their immune systems are not fully developed.
Other high-risk groups include pregnant women, elderly individuals, and people with weakened immune systems.
Unvaccinated individuals are also at higher risk of contracting the disease.
Epidemiology/ Population affected
Whooping cough is a global disease, but it is most common in developing countries where vaccination rates are lower.
In developed countries, vaccination has greatly reduced the incidence of the disease, although periodic outbreaks still occur.
More common in women, Risk increases with age
Clinical presentation (& 3 stages)
The symptoms of whooping cough typically progress through three stages, and can vary depending on the age and overall health of the infected person.
Catarrhal stage: This initial stage lasts for one to two weeks and is characterised by symptoms that are similar to the common cold. These symptoms may include:
Runny nose
Sneezing
Low-grade fever
Mild cough
Paroxysmal stage: This stage typically lasts for one to six weeks and is characterised by severe coughing fits that can last for several minutes. The cough may be accompanied by a high-pitched “whoop” sound when the person inhales.
Other symptoms may include:
Vomiting or exhaustion after coughing fits
Turning red or blue in the face from coughing
Difficulty catching one’s breath
Intense coughing at night
Convalescent stage: This final stage can last for several weeks or months, and is characterised by a gradual decrease in the frequency and severity of coughing fits.
Prognosis
Prognosis: Most people with whooping cough recover fully without any long-term complications. However, the disease can be severe in infants, and can even be fatal in rare cases.
Treatment typically involves antibiotics to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.
DDX
Viral infections
Asthma
Bronchitis.
A laboratory test to confirm the presence of B. pertussis bacteria is often necessary to make a definitive diagnosis.
