What are the 3 stages of whooping cough. Comprehensive Guide to the 3 Stages of Whooping Cough: Pertussis

03.12.202215.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the stages of whooping cough or pertussis. Learn the details of the catarrhal. paroxysmal, and convalescent phases of this serious respiratory illness.

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Understanding the Etiology of Pertussis

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis. These bacteria are spread through airborne droplets produced during coughing and sneezing, making it easily transmissible, especially in non-immune individuals. Pertussis primarily affects humans, who are the sole reservoir for the bacteria.

Risk factors for contracting pertussis include pregnancy, close contact with an infected individual, lack of immunization, and epidemic exposure. Before the development of the pertussis vaccine in the 1940s, the disease was a major cause of infant morbidity and mortality. While pertussis remains primarily a pediatric illness, with the majority of cases occurring in children under 5 years old, adolescents and adults can also contract the disease, contributing to the increasing number of cases seen in recent decades.

The Three Stages of Pertussis Infection

Pertussis infection typically progresses through three distinct stages: the catarrhal phase, the paroxysmal phase, and the convalescent phase.

Catarrhal Phase

The catarrhal phase is the first stage of pertussis and lasts for 1 to 2 weeks. During this phase, the patient presents with symptoms similar to a common upper respiratory tract infection, including fever, fatigue, rhinorrhea, and conjunctival injection. This stage is also the most infectious, as the bacteria are actively replicating and being shed into the environment.

Paroxysmal Phase

The paroxysmal phase follows the catarrhal phase and is characterized by the distinctive “whooping” cough. Patients experience repeated, forceful coughing fits, known as paroxysms, which are often triggered by cold or noise and are more common at night. During these episodes, patients may exhibit cyanosis, diaphoresis, or apnea. Immediately after a paroxysm, patients may experience post-tussive emesis, syncope, or apnea.

Convalescent Phase

The final stage is the convalescent phase, during which a residual cough persists for several weeks or even months. Patients are typically afebrile and appear less toxic during this phase, but the cough can still be debilitating and lead to complications such as rib fractures, hernias, and urinary incontinence.

Pathophysiology of Pertussis Infection

Bordetella pertussis is a gram-negative coccobacillus that adheres to the ciliated respiratory epithelial cells, causing local inflammatory changes in the mucosal lining of the respiratory tract. The bacteria release various toxins, including pertussis toxin, dermonecrotic toxin, adenylate cyclase toxin, and tracheal cytotoxin, which act locally and systemically. However, the bacteria themselves do not fully penetrate the respiratory tract and are rarely found in blood cultures.

Epidemiology and Trends in Pertussis

Reported pertussis cases have been increasing in the United States and worldwide. While pertussis was once a major cause of infant morbidity and mortality, the introduction of the pertussis vaccine in the 1940s led to a sharp decline in the number of cases, from 150,000 to 250,000 per year in the prevaccination era to 1,010 cases reported in 1976. However, since then, pertussis has been on the rise, which is partially attributed to waning adolescent and adult immunity.

Currently, the CDC estimates that there are likely more than 48,000 cases of pertussis in the United States each year, with the majority of cases occurring in children under 5 years old. Globally, there are over 24 million cases of pertussis annually, resulting in more than 160,000 deaths.

Improving Care Coordination and Communication

To enhance the care and outcomes of patients with pertussis, an interprofessional team approach is crucial. Healthcare providers, including physicians, nurses, and pharmacists, must work together to ensure timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and effective communication with patients and their families. Strategies to improve care coordination and communication may include:

Educating healthcare professionals on the latest pertussis guidelines and treatment options
Promoting early recognition of pertussis symptoms and rapid initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy
Coordinating with public health authorities to monitor and respond to pertussis outbreaks in the community
Providing clear and concise information to patients and their families about the nature of pertussis, its transmission, and the importance of vaccination
Encouraging vaccination among healthcare workers and high-risk individuals to reduce the spread of the disease

Conclusion

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a serious respiratory illness caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis. Understanding the three distinct stages of the disease – the catarrhal phase, the paroxysmal phase, and the convalescent phase – is crucial for healthcare providers to ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate management. By working together in an interprofessional team, healthcare professionals can optimize the care and outcomes for patients with pertussis, and help to address the increasing prevalence of this potentially life-threatening illness.

Pertussis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

Continuing Education Activity

Pertussis, literally meaning “a violent cough,” also known as whooping cough or “the cough of 100 days,” was first described in the Paris epidemic of 1578. Bordetella pertussis, the causative organism, was discovered in 1906, and a vaccine was developed in the 1940s. Before the pertussis vaccine was developed, pertussis was a major cause of infant morbidity and mortality. This activity describes the presentation and management of pertussis and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in the treatment of affected patients and families.

Objectives:

Identify the etiology of pertussis.
Describe the typical presentation of a patient with pertussis.
Outline the treatment and management options available for pertussis.
Summarize interprofessional team strategies for improving care coordination and communication to enhance the care of patients with pertussis and improve patient outcomes.

Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.

Introduction

Pertussis, literally meaning “a violent cough,” also known as whooping cough or “the cough of 100 days,” was first described in the Paris epidemic of 1578. Bordetella pertussis, the causative organism, was discovered in 1906, and a vaccine was developed in the 1940s. Before the pertussis vaccine was developed, pertussis was a major cause of infant morbidity and mortality.[1][2][3] Pertussis is a serious illness with very high morbidity and mortality.

Etiology

The causative organisms of pertussis are Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis. Bordetella is spread by airborne droplets and is highly contagious. Pertussis often affects 100% of non-immune household contacts. Immunity wanes to 50% 12 years after completing a vaccination series. Immunocompromised persons can also contract Bordetella bronchiseptica, which typically affects animals and is commonly known as “a kennel cough. ”[4][5][6]

Humans are the sole reservoir for Bordetella; the organism is spread via aerosolized droplets produced during a cough. The organism is highly contagious, with the majority of cases occurring during summer.

Risk factors for acquiring pertussis include:

Pregnancy
Epidemic exposure
Lack of immunization
Close contact with an infected individual

Epidemiology

Reported pertussis cases are increasing in the United States and worldwide. The prevalence of pertussis in the United States sharply declined from 150,000 to 250,000 cases per year in the prevaccination era to 1010 cases reported in 1976. Since then, pertussis has been on the rise, which is partially attributed to waning adolescent and adult immunity. Although pertussis largely remains a pediatric disease, with 38% of cases occurring in infants younger than 6 months and 71% of cases occurring in children younger than 5 years, adolescents and adults can also contract the disease and are likely contributing to the increasing number of both adult and pediatric cases seen over the past three decades. Worldwide, there are over 24 million cases annually, with greater than 160,000 deaths. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported over 48,000 cases in the United States in 2012, the most recent year for which this data is available. Due to difficulty in diagnosis, the CDC estimates likely underreporting.[7]

Pathophysiology

Bordetella is a gram-negative coccobacillus that adheres to ciliated respiratory epithelial cells. Local inflammatory changes occur in the mucosal lining of the respiratory tract. Released toxins (pertussis toxin, dermonecrotic toxin, adenylate cyclase toxin, and tracheal cytotoxin) act locally and systemically, although the organism itself does not fully penetrate the respiratory tract, and almost never is found in blood cultures.

History and Physical

After an incubation period of 1 to 3 weeks, pertussis infection typically progresses through three distinct stages: the catarrhal phase, the paroxysmal phase, and the convalescent phase.

The catarrhal phase presents similarly to other upper respiratory tract infections, with fever, fatigue, rhinorrhea, and conjunctival injection. The catarrhal phase lasts 1 to 2 weeks and is the most infectious stage of the disease.

The paroxysmal phase follows the catarrhal phase and is characterized by paroxysms of a staccato cough and the resolution of fever. The patient typically coughs repeatedly, followed by forceful inspiration, which creates the characteristic “whoop.” These episodes may be triggered by cold or noise and are more common at night. Patients are nontoxic-appearing in between paroxysms, but during coughing episodes, may exhibit cyanosis, diaphoresis, or apnea. Immediately following a paroxysm, patients may develop post-tussive emesis, syncope, or apnea.

Finally, during the convalescent phase, a residual cough persists for weeks to months, usually triggered by exposure to another upper respiratory infection or irritant.

Atypical presentations are common in infants, and fever may not occur. Rather, tachypnea, apnea, cyanosis, and episodic bradycardia may be the presenting features.

Increased intrathoracic pressure from coughing may result in petechiae above the nipple line, subconjunctival hemorrhage, and epistaxis.

Breath sounds are variable; auscultation may reveal clear lungs or rhonchi, while rales suggest superimposed pneumonia. The inspiratory whoop or gasp is usually heard in children between 6 months to 5 years.

Evaluation

Testing for pertussis is not readily available in the emergency department. Nasopharyngeal culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may yield laboratory confirmation, but the fastidious and slow-growing Bordetella organisms require specialized media, and cultures are typically not positive for 3 to 7 days. In adults, by the time the diagnosis is suspected, cultures are typically negative (96%), and overall culture sensitivity is only 20% to 40%. PCR is more sensitive and specific than culture, but testing is not widely available. [8][9][10]

In the emergency department, pertussis should be considered in patients with prolonged cough, especially occurring in paroxysms or with whoops or post-tussive emesis. During the late catarrhal and early paroxysmal phases, leukocytosis (often 25,000 to 60,000 per mL) with lymphocytosis may raise suspicion for pertussis. In a study of 100 infants less than 120 days old and admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit, there was a significantly higher leukocytosis in the five fatal cases. Unfortunately, leukocytosis may be the only laboratory finding useful in the emergency department. Chest x-ray findings are nonspecific and may show peribronchial thickening, atelectasis, or infiltrates. The classic association, though not often seen, is a “shaggy” right heart border.

Treatment / Management

Treatment of pertussis is largely supportive, including oxygen, suctioning, hydration, and avoidance of respiratory irritants. Parenteral nutrition may be necessary as the disease tends to have a prolonged course.

Hospitalization is indicated for patients with superimposed pneumonia, hypoxia, central nervous system (CNS) complications, or who are unable to tolerate nutrition and hydration by mouth. Patients less than 1-year-old are not fully vaccinated and carry the greatest risk of morbidity and mortality; they should be hospitalized regardless of symptoms. Neonates should be admitted to an intensive care setting as life-threatening cardiopulmonary complications and arrest can occur unexpectedly.

Antibiotic effect on the duration or severity of the disease is minimal when started in the catarrhal phase and not proven effective when started in the paroxysmal phase. Rather, the primary goal of antibiotic treatment is to decrease the carriage and spread of disease. Erythromycin (40 to 50 mg/kg per day, maximum 2 g per day, in 2 to 3 divided doses) is the first-line treatment for pertussis. Azithromycin (10 mg/kg per day on day 1 followed by 5 mg/kg on days 2 to 5) and clarithromycin (15 mg/kg per day in two divided doses) are alternative treatments. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (8 mg/kg per day of trimethoprim) has been used as an alternative in macrolide-allergic patients, but its efficacy has not been proven.

The macrolides are not recommended for infants less than 4 weeks old for fear that this may lead to infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.

Strict isolation is important while the patient remains infectious. Pertussis is contagious throughout the catarrhal phase and for 3 weeks after the onset of the paroxysmal phase. In patients treated with antibiotics, isolation should be continued for at least 5 days after treatment is initiated. Postexposure prophylaxis with erythromycin is recommended for all household contacts.

Corticosteroids have not shown definite benefit in reducing the severity and course of illness but are sometimes given to critically ill infants. Beta2-agonists, pertussis immune globulin, cough suppressants, and antihistamines are not effective. Exchange blood transfusion therapy for leukocytosis with lymphocytosis may be considered.

Close contacts should be treated with azithromycin or erythromycin.

Vaccination is recommended with the acellular vaccine at ages 2,4,6, 15-18 months, and at ages 4 to 6 years. In addition, the CDC recommends a single dose of Tdap for all adults to reduce transmission to children. Adverse effects of the vaccine include crying and febrile seizures, but severe neurological effects are rare. The vaccine can also be administered during the third trimester to pregnant women without causing harm to the fetus.

DTaP is approved during the last 3 months of pregnancy to prevent pertussis in infants under 2 months old.

Differential Diagnosis

Pertussis initially presents similarly to other respiratory infections, such as viral upper respiratory infection, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. Key differentiating factors of pertussis include typical progression through the three phases and persistent cough without fever. Foreign body aspiration should be considered in younger patients, and exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should be considered in older patients with the appropriate history. The striking leukocytosis may also be confused with leukemia.

Prognosis

Most people infected with pertussis will fully recover, albeit usually after a prolonged illness of months. Infants and older adults tend to have the highest mortality and morbidity, respectively. The infant death rate is about 2% of cases and accounts for 96% of deaths related to pertussis. Older adults tend to have increased morbidity due to other chronic medical conditions, as well as an increased rate of complications, such as pneumonia.[11][12][13]

Secondary complications like pneumonia, seizures, and encephalopathy may occur in some patients.

Complications

Secondary pneumonia or otitis media may occur. Superimposed pneumonia is a major cause of mortality in infants and young children and may be caused by aspiration of gastric contents during paroxysms of cough or because of decreased respiratory clearance of pathogens. Fever should subside during the catarrhal phase, and its presence during the paroxysmal phase should raise suspicion for pneumonia. The most common causes of secondary bacterial pneumonia are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, and Staphylococcus aureus; although viral infections with the respiratory syncytial virus, cytomegalovirus, and adenovirus superinfections are also common.

Rarely (less than 2% of cases), CNS complications such as seizures and encephalopathy can occur, likely secondary to hypoxia, hypoglycemia, toxins, secondary infections, or cerebral bleeding from increased pressure during coughing. Sudden increases in intrathoracic and intraabdominal pressures can also result in periorbital edema, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema, diaphragmatic rupture, umbilical and inguinal hernias, and rectal prolapse.

Pertussis toxin also causes histamine hypersensitivity and increased insulin secretion.

Infants are particularly prone to bradycardia, hypotension, and cardiac arrest from pertussis. The development of pulmonary hypertension has been increasingly recognized as a factor contributing to infantile mortality, as it may lead to worsening systemic hypotension and hypoxia.

Deterrence and Patient Education

Pertussis vaccine exists in both whole-cell (DPT) and acellular (DTaP) forms. In 1991, the acellular formulation largely replaced the whole-cell vaccine, which had been associated with acute encephalopathy and prolonged seizures. The acellular form has fewer adverse effects and is as effective as the whole-cell formulation. As a result, the whole-cell preparation is only recommended when the acellular form is not available. Common adverse effects are mild and include fever, irritability, behavioral changes, and pain at the injection site. Less commonly, moderately severe reactions, including fever over 40 C, persistent and high-pitched crying, and seizures may occur. A recent study of over 50,000 patients vaccinated from 1981 to 2016 did not detect any new or unexpected adverse effects.

Pearls and Other Issues

Laboratory and radiographic confirmation of pertussis is a challenge in the emergency department setting. It is important to maintain a low threshold of suspicion for pertussis in any patient presenting with prolonged cough, regardless of immunization status. A complete blood count with attention to leukocytosis and lymphocytosis may be the best diagnostic screening tool in the emergency department.

Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes

The management of pertussis is best done with an interprofessional team that includes the pharmacist and nurses. With a strong anti-vaccine movement, patient education is key. Parents and caregivers have to be informed that the adverse effects of the vaccine are rare. In an era of anti-vaccination sentiments, clinicians should educate the public that the vaccine is safe and effective.

Pertussis immunity wanes significantly about seven years after vaccination and about 15 years after natural infection. As a result, the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends routine booster immunization, starting at ages 11 to 18 years. A study of almost 70,000 patients showed no significant adverse effects for patients receiving Tdap instead of Td as a tetanus booster; in patients requiring a tetanus booster in the emergency department, adding the acellular pertussis component could be considered, especially in pregnant women. Mothers are often identified as the source of pertussis infection in newborns who have not completed their vaccination series, and preliminary data suggest that infants of mothers vaccinated against both influenza and pertussis may be at lower risk for contracting pertussis.

Pertussis is a reportable infection in the US, and even one case must be reported immediately, and control measures to prevent transmission should be in place. Open communication between the interprofessional team is vital to ensure that patients are treated with optimal care and that vaccination protocols are in place.

Review Questions

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References

1.: Leong RNF, Wood JG, Turner RM, Newall AT. Estimating seasonal variation in Australian pertussis notifications from 1991 to 2016: evidence of spring to summer peaks. Epidemiol Infect. 2019 Jan;147:e155. [PMC free article: PMC6518527] [PubMed: 31063086]
2.: Hotez PJ. Immunizations and vaccines: a decade of successes and reversals, and a call for ‘vaccine diplomacy’. Int Health. 2019 Sep 02;11(5):331-333. [PubMed: 31034023]
3.: Xu J, Liu S, Liu Q, Rong R, Tang W, Wang Q, Kuang S, Zhou C. The effectiveness and safety of pertussis booster vaccination for adolescents and adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Apr;98(16):e15281. [PMC free article: PMC6494346] [PubMed: 31008974]
4.: Dou M, Macias N, Shen F, Bard JD, Domínguez DC, Li X. Rapid and Accurate Diagnosis of the Respiratory Disease Pertussis on a Point-of-Care Biochip. EClinicalMedicine. 2019 Feb;8:72-77. [PMC free article: PMC6469871] [PubMed: 31008450]
5.: Dou M, Sanchez J, Tavakoli H, Gonzalez JE, Sun J, Dien Bard J, Li X. A low-cost microfluidic platform for rapid and instrument-free detection of whooping cough. Anal Chim Acta. 2019 Aug 13;1065:71-78. [PMC free article: PMC6481316] [PubMed: 31005153]
6.: Etskovitz H, Anastasio N, Green E, May M. Role of Evolutionary Selection Acting on Vaccine Antigens in the Re-Emergence of Bordetella Pertussis. Diseases. 2019 Apr 16;7(2) [PMC free article: PMC6630436] [PubMed: 30995764]
7.: Jenkinson D. Pertussis (whooping cough) is common in teens and adults. BMJ. 2019 Apr 09;365:l1623. [PubMed: 30967372]
8.: Toubiana J, Azarnoush S, Bouchez V, Landier A, Guillot S, Matczak S, Bonacorsi S, Brisse S. Bordetella parapertussis Bacteremia: Clinical Expression and Bacterial Genomics. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2019 Apr;6(4):ofz122. [PMC free article: PMC6453521] [PubMed: 30976607]
9.: Kandeil W, Atanasov P, Avramioti D, Fu J, Demarteau N, Li X. The burden of pertussis in older adults: what is the role of vaccination? A systematic literature review. Expert Rev Vaccines. 2019 May;18(5):439-455. [PubMed: 30887849]
10.: Argondizo-Correia C, Rodrigues AKS, de Brito CA. Neonatal Immunity to Bordetella pertussis Infection and Current Prevention Strategies. J Immunol Res. 2019;2019:7134168. [PMC free article: PMC6387735] [PubMed: 30882004]
11.: Forsyth KD, Tan T, von König CW, Heininger U, Chitkara AJ, Plotkin S. Recommendations to control pertussis prioritized relative to economies: A Global Pertussis Initiative update. Vaccine. 2018 Nov 19;36(48):7270-7275. [PubMed: 30337176]
12.: Campbell H, Gupta S, Dolan GP, Kapadia SJ, Kumar Singh A, Andrews N, Amirthalingam G. Review of vaccination in pregnancy to prevent pertussis in early infancy. J Med Microbiol. 2018 Oct;67(10):1426-1456. [PubMed: 30222536]
13.: Lumbreras Areta M, Martinez De Tejada B. [Preventing whooping cough in infants : vaccinated mother, protected newborn]. Rev Med Suisse. 2018 Oct 24;14(624):1884-1886. [PubMed: 30375788]

: Disclosure: Ashley Lauria declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.
: Disclosure: Christopher Zabbo declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Whooping Cough | Pertussis | 3 Stages, Severity, & Spread

Infection & Disease

Whooping Cough

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Written by

Laura Henry, MD.

Resident in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania

Medically reviewed by

Jeffrey M. Rothschild, MD, MPH.

Associate Professor of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Last updated May 23, 2023

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What is whooping cough?

Symptoms

Causes

Treatment & prevention

When to see a doctor

References

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Written by

Laura Henry, MD.

Resident in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania

Medically reviewed by

Jeffrey M. Rothschild, MD, MPH.

Associate Professor of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Last updated May 23, 2023

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This article will discuss the respiratory illness whooping cough that can occur in children, adolescents, and adults. Symptoms include fatigue and malaise, a low-grade fever, excessive tearing, red eyes, severe coughing, a “whooping” sound on inspiration, and vomiting after coughing.

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What is whooping cough?

Whooping cough is caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis, which affects the respiratory systems of children, adolescents, and adults. Whooping cough has also been called the “100-day cough” because of its extended time course. The symptoms classically associated with whooping cough are a sudden, uncontrollable coughing spell (“paroxysmal cough”), a “whooping” sound on inspiration, and throwing up after a coughing fit. The course of the condition is generally divided up into three phases — catarrhal, paroxysmal, and convalescent phases. The symptoms of the condition generally change over the course of these phases. Whooping cough is highly contagious and generally spread through respiratory droplets. The DTaP or Tdap vaccines are used to prevent the spread of whooping cough.

You should visit your primary care physician within the next 24 hours. This disease is managed with prescription antibiotics, and it is important to get treated as soon as possible to avoid spreading the infection to others.

Whooping cough symptoms

Main symptoms

While whooping cough predominantly affects the respiratory system, the symptoms vary throughout the course of the illness. As previously discussed, the condition is generally divided into the catarrhal, paroxysmal, and convalescent stages. The catarrhal stage is the earliest and usually lasts one to two weeks. The paroxysmal stage is the longest portion, lasting about two months. The convalescent stage is when the condition is resolving and usually lasts one to two weeks. Symptoms of whooping cough are listed below.

Fatigue and malaise: These begin within the first one to two weeks of the condition in the catarrhal phase.
Low-grade fever: This often develops as the bacteria infect the individual and occurs during the catarrhal phase.
Excessive tearing
Red eyes
Severe, uncontrollable coughing: This is the hallmark symptom of whooping cough. It begins during the paroxysmal phase.
“Whooping” sound on inspiration: This sound, giving the condition its name, is generally heard after episodes of intense coughing fits as an individual forcefully breathes in. This sound is heard during the paroxysmal phase and is even more prominent in children with whooping cough due to the small size of their windpipes.
Vomiting after coughing: Also known as post-tussive emesis, this can occur due to the forceful nature of the coughing fits. The intense contraction of the muscles of the thorax (the part of the body where the lungs are found) and the abdomen can cause you to vomit after a coughing fit.

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Other symptoms

Other symptoms seen in whooping cough are not directly caused by the pertussis bacteria but by the extended period of time you experience intense coughing fits:

Subconjunctival hemorrhage: “Subconjunctival” describes the source of the bleeding, located beneath the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the surface of the eye. The increased force during coughing fits can lead to rupture of the very small, delicate blood vessels of the eye and cause this symptom.
Development or worsening of an abdominal hernia: The contraction of abdominal muscles used in coughing increases the overall pressure within the abdomen. This increase in intra-abdominal pressure can force movement of organs through membranes within the abdomen. Hernias can be seen around the belly button, lower abdomen, or groin regions.
Urinary incontinence: Involuntary leakage of urine may occur as the abdominal muscles are contracting during coughing fits. This contraction puts stress on the bladder which can cause the release of urine. This occurs when the force from coughing overcomes the force of the pelvic floor muscles and urinary sphincters working to keep urine from expelling.

Diagnosis

It is important to make the diagnosis of whooping cough as early as possible to help you manage your symptoms as well as prevent the spread of infection. According to the CDC, whooping cough can be diagnosed clinically by the presence of a cough not explained by another condition that lasts at least two weeks along with the presence of one of the following: coughing fits, throwing up after coughing fits, or a “whooping” sound on inspiration. Other laboratory tests can also be used for the definitive diagnosis depending on what point of the illness you are experiencing:

Respiratory culture: Respiratory secretions may be swabbed and cultured to look for the presence of the Bordetella bacteria during the first two weeks of the cough.
Polymerase Chain Reaction: Also called PCR, this test is used alongside a culture from the respiratory system if the cough has been present for two to four weeks.
Serology: Serology is a blood test used to detect antibodies, or the body’s natural defense mechanism, to the bacteria causing the infection. This test is used if the cough has been present for greater than four weeks.

Whooping cough causes

Whooping cough is caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. The bacteria multiply in the respiratory tract over the course of seven to 10 days after the bug has lodged itself on the throat and nasal mucosa. This infection is highly contagious and is spread from person-to-person through the respiratory droplets expelled with the vigorous coughing spells that are characteristic of the condition. Prior to the introduction of vaccination in the 1940s, whooping cough often leads to death, especially among infants with the infection. The vaccine has significantly decreased the incidence and severity of pertussis in the U.S.

Treatment options and prevention for whooping cough

Treatment

Despite having the name “100-day cough,” studies show that most people with whooping cough experience a resolution of the infection in three to six weeks without any treatment. The CDC has provided recommendations with regards to administering antibiotics for people with whooping cough. These recommendations state that any person presenting with whooping cough within three weeks of the onset of the cough should receive treatment with antibiotics. The CDC also states that pregnant women, healthcare workers, and individuals with close contact to infants should receive antibiotic treatment if they present with cough suspicious for whooping cough. The preferred antibiotics for treatment are azithromycin or clarithromycin, both in the macrolide class of drugs.

Prevention

The most significant intervention for the prevention of whooping cough is the vaccine. The modern-day form of the vaccine, called the “acellular” vaccine, was introduced in 1991. This form of the vaccine is given along with immunity for tetanus in diphtheria in the vaccine Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis). Most people do not have any side effects from this vaccine, however, 25 percent of children will experience redness where the shot was given or a short course of fever.

Infants/children and vaccination: The vaccine schedule for Tdap starts at age 2 months and a total of 5 vaccines given in total and ending around age 6.
Adolescents and vaccination: Adolescents 11 to 18 years of age should receive a booster vaccine for Tdap.
Pregnant women and vaccination: Pregnant women should also receive the vaccination at 27 to 36 weeks as this immunity can be transferred to the developing baby.

Even if an individual has been vaccinated against whooping cough, he or she should receive prophylactic antibiotics after coming in direct contact with someone who has an active pertussis vaccine.

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When to seek further consultation for whooping cough

An important aspect of preventing the spread of whooping cough is early detection. Any individual who is experiencing a persistent cough, fever, or a whooping sound on inspiration should consult his or her healthcare provider as soon as possible. Infants and elderly are particularly at risk of complications from the condition and should be under the careful care of a physician.

Questions your doctor may ask to determine whooping cough

How severe is your fever?
Has your cough gotten better or worse?
Is your cough constant or come-and-go?
How severe is your cough?
How long has your cough been going on?

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Jeffrey M. Rothschild, MD, MPH.

Associate Professor of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Dr. Rothschild has been a faculty member at Brigham and Women’s Hospital where he is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He currently practices as a hospitalist at Newton Wellesley Hospital. In 1978, Dr. Rothschild received his MD at the Medical College of Wisconsin and trained in internal medicine followed by a fellowship in critical care medicine. He also received an MP…

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  - Ear piercing
- Home services
  - Take tests at home for a child in Moscow
  - Testing for COVID19
  - Pediatrician house call
  - Calling a children’s ENT at home
  - Baby massage at home
  - Physician house call
  - Patronage by a pediatrician of a child at home
  - Pediatric ophthalmologist at home
  - Ophthalmologist at home
- Tests
  - Allergochip ImmunoCap
  - Quantiferon test
  - T-SPOT
  - Coronavirus Ig G antibodies
  - Rheumatoid factor test
  - Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
  - Progesterone test
  - Glucose test
  - CRP blood test
  - ALT blood test
  - AST blood test
  - Vitamin D test
  - HCG analysis
  - Coagulogram
  - Complete blood count
  - HIV test
  - RW blood test for syphilis
  - Blood test for vitamins and microelements
  - Helicobacter pylori blood test
  - Blood test for allergens
  - Blood test for parasites
  - Blood test for thyroid hormones
  - PCR test for coronavirus infection
  - Blood test for antibodies to COVID-19
  - PSA blood test
  - Blood test for ferritin
  - Biochemical blood test
  - Blood test for female hormones
  - Blood test for creatinine
  - D-dimer blood test
  - Cholesterol blood test
  - Blood test for calcium
  - Platelet blood test
  - Hepatitis blood test
  - Sterility blood test
  - Blood test for insulin
  - Hemoglobin blood test
  - Blood test for immunoglobulins
  - Mantoux test
  - INR blood test
  - Blood test for electrolytes
  - Pipel biopsy
  - Skin scraping
- Diagnostics
  - Ultrasound
  - Electrocardiogram (ECG) for children
  - Echocardiography (EchoCG) for children
  - Children’s vision test
  - Abdominal ultrasound
  - Ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder
  - Ultrasound of the vessels of the head and neck (USDG)
  - Thyroid ultrasound
  - Ultrasound of the hip joints
  - Audiometry
  - Ultrasound of the knee joint
  - Ultrasound of lymph nodes
  - Ultrasound of the uterus
  - Breast ultrasound
  - Bladder ultrasound
  - Ultrasound of the urinary system
  - Autorefractometry
  - Plantography – determination of the degree of flat feet
  - Ultrasound duplex scanning
  - Soft tissue ultrasound
  - Ultrasound of the pelvic organs
  - Ultrasound of the liver and gallbladder
  - Ultrasound of the pancreas
  - Ultrasound of the kidneys and adrenal glands
  - Ultrasound of the paranasal sinuses
  - Ultrasound of the prostate
  - Ultrasound of the spleen
  - PRF (function of external respiration)
  - Ultrasound of the nasal sinuses for a child
  - Neurosonography
  - Ultrasound of the thymus
  - Ultrasound of the stomach and duodenum
  - Pulse oximetry
  - Ultrasound screening of newborns
  - Ultrasound of the scrotum
  - Dermatoscopy
- References
  - Registration of form 026u in DDU
  - Registration of form 026y to school
  - Help to the swimming pool for a child
  - Health resort card 076/u for children
  - Help to the sports section for a child
  - Help 086 / y for college and university
  - Certificate 079/y for a camp for a child
  - Registration of certificate 159u in Artek
  - Registration of a certificate to the sports section (extended)
- Vaccinations
  - Vaccination against measles, rubella, mumps
  - Measles vaccine
  - Vaccination against whooping cough, tetanus, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, haemophilus influenzae
  - Hepatitis A vaccination
  - Influenza vaccination
  - Hepatitis B vaccination
  - Pneumococcal vaccination
  - Rotavirus vaccination
  - Vaccination against human papillomavirus
  - Tuberculin and tuberculosis tests
  - Meningococcal vaccination
  - Varicella vaccination
  - Tick-borne encephalitis vaccination
- Annual programs
  - Annual programs for children
  - Individual surveillance programs
Annual programs

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What are the 3 stages of whooping cough. Comprehensive Guide to the 3 Stages of Whooping Cough: Pertussis

Understanding the Etiology of Pertussis

The Three Stages of Pertussis Infection

Catarrhal Phase

Paroxysmal Phase

Convalescent Phase

Pathophysiology of Pertussis Infection

Epidemiology and Trends in Pertussis

Improving Care Coordination and Communication

Conclusion

Pertussis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf

Continuing Education Activity

Introduction

Etiology

Epidemiology

Pathophysiology

History and Physical

Evaluation

Treatment / Management

Differential Diagnosis

Prognosis

Complications

Deterrence and Patient Education

Pearls and Other Issues

Enhancing Healthcare Team Outcomes

Review Questions

References

Whooping Cough | Pertussis | 3 Stages, Severity, & Spread

Whooping cough quiz

What is whooping cough?

Whooping cough symptoms

Main symptoms

Whooping cough quiz

Other symptoms

Diagnosis

Whooping cough causes

Treatment options and prevention for whooping cough

Treatment

Prevention

Ready to treat your whooping cough?

Whooping cough quiz

When to seek further consultation for whooping cough

Questions your doctor may ask to determine whooping cough

References

Diseases – blog of pediatricians of the children’s clinic “RebenOK”

Diseases – blog of pediatricians of the children’s clinic “RebenOK”

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