What are the signs and symptoms of whooping cough? How does it affect infants, children, and adults differently? What are the long-term effects of whooping cough?

Deciphering the Early Symptoms of Whooping Cough

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The early symptoms of whooping cough can often be mistaken for a common cold, making it challenging to diagnose in the initial stages. Typically, the symptoms develop within 5 to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria, but in some cases, it can take as long as 3 weeks for the symptoms to appear.

The early symptoms of whooping cough include a runny or stuffy nose, low-grade fever (less than 100.4°F), and a mild, occasional cough. Infants, however, may not exhibit a cough during this stage, and instead, they may experience apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing) and cyanosis (turning blue or purple).

The Progression of Whooping Cough Symptoms

Approximately 1 to 2 weeks after the initial symptoms appear, individuals with whooping cough may develop paroxysms, which are rapid, violent, and uncontrolled coughing fits. These coughing fits can last anywhere from 1 to 6 weeks, though they can sometimes persist for up to 10 weeks. As the illness continues, the coughing fits generally worsen and become more frequent.

During the coughing fits, individuals may make a high-pitched “whoop” sound when they finally inhale, and they may also vomit. They often feel very tired after the fit but seem well in between the fits. Babies, on the other hand, may struggle to breathe during these coughing episodes, while teens and adults typically have milder symptoms.

The Impact of Whooping Cough on Different Age Groups

Whooping cough can have a more severe impact on infants and young children compared to teens and adults. Infants may not exhibit a cough at all, and instead, they may experience apnea and cyanosis, which can be life-threatening. Teens and adults, especially those who have not been vaccinated against whooping cough, may have lengthy coughing fits that disrupt their daily lives and can lead to serious complications.

However, even in vaccinated individuals, whooping cough can still occur, although the symptoms are generally milder. The cough may not last as long, and coughing fits, whooping, and vomiting after coughing fits are less common. Apnea and cyanosis are also less likely to occur in vaccinated babies and children.

The Long-Term Effects of Whooping Cough

Recovery from whooping cough can be a slow process. The cough becomes milder and less common as the individual’s health improves, but coughing fits may return if they contract other respiratory infections. These coughing fits can persist for many months after the initial whooping cough illness.

Preventing and Treating Whooping Cough

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends whooping cough vaccines for people of all ages to help prevent the illness. While the vaccines are not perfect, they can help reduce the severity of the symptoms and the risk of complications.

If an individual develops whooping cough, treatment typically involves antibiotics and supportive care, such as rest, hydration, and managing coughing fits. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required, especially for infants and young children.

Understanding the Importance of Vaccination

Whooping cough is a serious and potentially life-threatening illness, particularly for infants and young children. By understanding the signs and symptoms of the disease, as well as the importance of vaccination, individuals can take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from the devastating effects of whooping cough.

Recognizing the Long-Term Impacts of Whooping Cough

While the initial symptoms of whooping cough may seem like a common cold, the long-term effects can be significant. Coughing fits can persist for months, disrupting daily life and potentially leading to serious complications. It is crucial for individuals to seek medical attention if they suspect they or a loved one may have whooping cough, and to follow the recommended vaccination schedule to help prevent the disease.

Signs and Symptoms of Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Symptoms of whooping cough usually develop within 5 to 10 days after you come into contact with the bacteria that cause it. Sometimes symptoms do not develop for as long as 3 weeks.

Early symptoms can last for 1 to 2 weeks and usually include:

• Runny or stuffed-up nose
• Low-grade fever (less than 100.4°F)
• Mild, occasional cough (babies do not do this)
• Apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing) and cyanosis (turning blue or purple) in babies and young children

In its early stages, whooping cough appears to be nothing more than the common cold. Therefore, doctors often do not suspect or diagnose it until the more severe symptoms appear.

One to 2 weeks after the first symptoms start, people with whooping cough may develop paroxysms—rapid, violent, and uncontrolled coughing fits. These coughing fits usually last 1 to 6 weeks but can last for up to 10 weeks. Coughing fits generally get worse and become more common as the illness continues.

Coughing fits can cause people to

• Make a high-pitched “whoop” sound when they are finally able to inhale at the end of a coughing fit
• Vomit during or after coughing fits
• Feel very tired after the fit, but usually seem well in-between fits
• Struggle to breathe

Babies may struggle to breathe, while teens and adults usually have mild symptoms

Many babies with whooping cough don’t cough at all. Instead it may cause them to turn blue or struggle to breathe. It may seem like a common cold for the entire illness, not just the beginning.

The infection is generally milder in teens and adults than in babies and children, especially those who have gotten vaccinated against whooping cough. It may seem like a common cold. The “whoop” is often not there for people who have a milder illness.

However, teens and adults can have serious cases of whooping cough. Teens and adults, especially those who did not get whooping cough vaccines, may have lengthy coughing fits that keep them up at night. Those who get these coughing fits say it’s the worst cough of their lives. It can also cause major disruptions to daily life and serious complications.

Vaccinated people may not get as sick

Whooping cough vaccines are effective, but not perfect. The infection is usually not as bad for people who have gotten vaccinated against whooping cough but still get sick.

In vaccinated people who get whooping cough:

• The cough usually won’t last as many days
• Coughing fits, whooping, and vomiting after coughing fits are less common
• Apnea and cyanosis are less common (in vaccinated babies and children)

CDC recommends whooping cough vaccines for people of all ages. Learn more about whooping cough vaccination.

Recovery from whooping cough can be slow. The cough becomes milder and less common as you get better.

Coughing fits may stop for a while but can return if you get other respiratory infections. Coughing fits can return many months after the whooping cough illness started.

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What is whooping cough?

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a respiratory infection that can cause coughing fits. In serious cases, the coughing can become violent and rapid. You may cough so hard that you vomit. The name of the disease comes from the whooping noise you might make when you try to breathe in after coughing.

Whooping cough is very contagious and can affect anyone. But it can be especially serious in babies who did not yet get the vaccine. About half of babies under age one who get whooping cough need care in the hospital.

What causes whooping cough?

Whooping cough is caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. It spreads from person to person. People who have pertussis usually spread it through coughing, sneezing, or breathing very close to someone. It can also sometimes be spread by touching an infected surface and then touching your nose or mouth.

If you get pertussis, you are contagious for about 2 weeks after you start coughing. Antibiotics may shorten the time that you are contagious.

What are the symptoms of whooping cough?

The symptoms of pertussis usually start within 5 to 10 days after you are exposed. But sometimes you may not get symptoms until up to 3 weeks later.

Whooping cough usually starts with cold-like symptoms. They may last for 1 to 2 weeks and can include:

• Runny nose
• Mild fever
• Mild, occasional cough

The early symptoms in babies can be different. They may only cough a little bit, or they may not cough at all. Babies may have apnea, which means that there is a pause in breathing. They may start to turn blue. If this happens, get medical care for your baby right away.

As whopping cough gets worse, the symptoms may include:

• Fits of many, rapid coughs followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound
• Vomiting during or after coughing fits
• Exhaustion after coughing fits

The coughing fits get worse and start happening more often, especially at night. You may have them for up to 10 weeks or more.

Recovery from this can happen slowly. Your cough gets milder and happens less often. The coughing fits can come back if you have another respiratory infection, even months after you first got whooping cough.

How is whooping cough diagnosed?

Your health care provider may use many tools to diagnose whooping cough:

• A medical history, which includes asking about your symptoms
• A physical exam
• A lab test which involves taking a sample of mucus from the back of the throat through the nose. This may be done with a swab or syringe filled with saline. The sample is tested for the bacteria that causes whooping cough.
• Blood test
• Chest x-ray

What are the treatments for whooping cough?

The treatment for whooping cough is usually antibiotics. Early treatment is very important. It may make your infection less serious and can also help prevent spreading the disease to others.

Treatment after you have been sick for 3 weeks or longer may not help. The bacteria are gone from your body by then, even though you usually still have symptoms. This is because the bacteria have already done damage to your body.

Whooping cough can sometimes be very serious and require treatment in the hospital.

Can whooping cough be prevented?

Vaccines are the best way to prevent whooping cough. There are two vaccines in the United States that can help prevent whooping cough: DTaP and Tdap. These vaccines also provide protection against tetanus and diphtheria.

Babies and other people at high risk serious disease should be kept away from people who have whooping cough.

Sometimes health care providers give antibiotics to family members of people who have had whooping cough or people who have been exposed to it. The antibiotics may prevent them from getting the disease.

You may also help prevent the spread of whooping cough (and other respiratory diseases) by:

• Washing your hands often with soap and water. You can use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available.
• Avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands
• Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that you frequently touch, including toys
• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or upper shirt sleeve, not hands
• Staying home when sick
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

  (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

• Pertussis Frequently Asked Questions

  (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

  Also in Spanish

• Whooping Cough

  (American Academy of Family Physicians)

  Also in Spanish

• Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

  (Nemours Foundation)

  Also in Spanish

• Pertussis Signs & Symptoms

  (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

  Also in Spanish

• Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Diagnosis and Treatment

  (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

  Also in Spanish

• Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Complications

  (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

  Also in Spanish

• Photos of Pertussis

  (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

  Also in Spanish

• Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Outbreaks

  (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

  Also in Spanish

• ClinicalTrials. gov: Whooping Cough

  (National Institutes of Health)

• Article: Systemic priming and intranasal booster with a BcfA-adjuvanted acellular pertussis vaccine. ..

• Article: Biomarkers detected in cord blood predict vaccine responses in young infants.

• Article: Young Zambian infants with symptomatic RSV and pertussis infections are frequently. ..

• Whooping Cough — see more articles

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

  Also in Spanish

• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

• Protecting Babies from Whooping Cough

  (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

  Also in Spanish

• Whooping Cough (Pertussis) – Fact Sheet for Parents

  (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

  Also in Spanish

Post-laminectomy syndrome – treatment, symptoms, causes, diagnosis

Neurosurgeons perform spinal surgery to relieve pain in the back or leg caused by compression of the nerve roots. In cases where surgical treatment does not achieve its goals, then in such cases they speak of post-laminectomy syndrome (or disease of the operated spine).

In most cases, it is possible to minimize the pain associated with surgery. Approximately 500,000 spinal surgeries are performed in the United States every year, but the surgeries are not always successful. In fact, 20% of operated patients have persistent pain of varying intensity in the lower back or leg. That is, in this case we are talking about postlaminectomy syndrome. Various factors influence the development of post-laminectomy syndrome. In many cases, the nerve root, which was decompressed during surgery, cannot restore its functions due to damage to the structure of the nerve fiber in the preoperative period, and this serves as a source of chronic pain and sensory disturbances. In other cases, the pain is due to the formation of scar tissue after surgery, and this tissue can affect the nerve roots and cause chronic pain. Another common cause is structural changes in the spine that occur during surgical fixation of the vertebrae. Other causes may include new herniated discs, postoperative spinal and pelvic ligament instability, and myofascial pain.

Symptoms

The symptoms of the syndrome depend on the underlying cause. Symptoms may include aching or dull pain that is primarily located in the spine. In addition, the pain may have a sharp stabbing character, which is called neuropathic pain, and this pain radiates from the lower back to the legs. Neuropathic pain is caused by primary damage to the nervous system. In post-laminectomy syndrome nerve fiber damage due to spinal disorders leading to surgical treatment can become a source of neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain is associated with abnormal stimulation of nerve fibers, accompanied by “central irritation” of the spinal cord, where the primary pain impulses go. “Central irritation” leads to a reorganization of the pathways for conducting and perceiving pain. One of the results of this reorganization is allodynia, when a sensation of severe pain occurs with a slight stimulus. For example, light touching or holding with a brush will be accompanied by strong painful sensations. There may also be hyperalgesia, which is characterized by increased soreness with painful stimuli. For example, exposure to a hot or light injection may be accompanied by inadequate pain

Diagnosis

As with any pain syndrome, an accurate diagnosis allows you to choose the right treatment. For the diagnosis of postlaminectomy syndrome, methods such as radiography, MRI, EMG, and spinal puncture can be used.

Treatment

Conservative treatment of postlaminectomy syndrome is usually complex and includes physiotherapy, drug treatment, acupuncture, epidural blocks, electrical nerve stimulation and exercise therapy (especially when there is instability of the motor segments). In addition, it is possible to use radiofrequency denervation, the use of platelet-rich plasma, and lysis of adhesions.

6,700 people in Germany with side effects of vaccination – is compensation due

05/26/2023 at 14:51

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Today, thousands of patients complain about the long-term effects of the Corona vaccination. Is this really so, explains expert Bernhard Schiffer. “Post-Vac-Syndrom” is a term used to describe the negative long-term effects of vaccination. Some manifestations of this syndrome are similar to those of Long Covid.

According to the Epidemiological Protection Act, vaccination harm is “the medical and economic consequences of harm to health caused by vaccination that go beyond the normal degree of response to vaccination”. On the basis of this, affected persons can claim damage to their health due to vaccination and receive compensation for this.

Of the approximately 63 million vaccinated in Germany, about 6,700 people filed claims about the negative consequences of vaccination. Decisions were made on 2,350 applications – 285 of them are positive, that is, only about 12%.

As head of the contact point for people with post-covid symptoms at the University of Marburg, cardiologist Bernhard Schiffer is realistic about the current situation: “Last year we examined almost 2,000 patients and currently there are between 7,000 and 8,000 applicants on the waiting list . Our consultation hours are fully booked until next summer.

It is very difficult to determine which of the patients actually have a side effect – almost certainly – from vaccination, and which one has some other immunological constellation, which then, coupled with vaccination, leads to post-pertussis symptoms. This is an extremely complex and lengthy process. “With each patient, you go on another detective journey for new discoveries.”

Mountains of work ahead of us

“We use a questionnaire and lab data to figure out which direction the disease might take, and then look at the details again. If, for example, there is an immunological or infectious defect, we look further, ”Schiffer emphasizes the seriousness of the work.

“Was vaccination still right? Yes! You can’t say otherwise. It has brought so many additional benefits, including in certain populations, in terms of safety, that we can still say today to all the patients we see – vaccination has brought us a great freedom that we do not want to lose.