Paroxysmal Coughing Treatment
A paroxysmal cough is a symptom of pertussis, which is also know as the whooping cough. A paroxysmal cough can also show itself in lung injuries or bronchiectasis. Treatments for the cough mainly are for treating its causes.
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Whooping Cough Stages
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The first stage of the whooping cough, the catarrhal stage, does not involve a paroxysmal cough. This stage typically lasts from one to two weeks, and an infected person has symptoms characteristic of an upper respiratory infection. The second stage of the whooping cough is the paroxysmal stage. It normally lasts for 10 to 14 days. The period characterized by the existence of a paroxysmal cough. The paroxysmal cough is approximately five to 15 quick coughs and then a "whoop" to take in air. Normal breathing resumes temporarily afterward, but then the cough continues. This series of coughing typically begin at nighttime, but as the paroxysmal stage progresses, they occur during the day as well. The paroxysmal cough continues into the third stage (convalescent stage) of the whooping cough.
Complications
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A significant problem with whooping cough in all of its stages is that a coughing fit may end in vomiting. Much vomiting can lead to dehydration, which has its own series of problems. Another complication with paroxysmal coughing is its association with copious amounts of viscid fluid which leads to aspiration or vomiting. Luckily, a fever is often not present with paroxysmal coughs. However, because the lungs cannot clear themselves of mucus, pneumonia is often another complication of the whooping cough.
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Whooping Cough Treatment
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Treatment of the paroxysmal cough is treatment of its cause, which is in this case, the whooping cough. As a bacterial infection, treatment involves antibiotics. Antibiotics do not cure the disease, but it prevents it from spreading. Ilosone or Septra are common antibiotics used. These drugs may be taken for two weeks. If cases are severe enough, hospitalization may be necessary to help control complications. People hospitalized with whooping cough are normally quarantined until they are no longer contagious.
Infant Whooping Cough Treatment
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According to the Mayo Clinic, most infants and toddlers are automatically hospitalized when a given a diagnosis of the whooping cough. This is due to a high risk of complications within the group. Like adult treatment, the child receives antibiotics. They also may be given drugs to reduce inflammation in their airways or extra oxygen if required. In cases where the child's ability to eat and drink is inhibited, they may receive fluids intravenously.
Bronchiectasis
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A paroxysmal cough is also a symptom on bronchiectasis, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. This cough can persist for months or years and is accompanied by a large production of spit and mucus. Chest pain may also occur. Lung infections, such as pneumonia and whooping cough, can lead to bronchiectasis. The goal of treatment is to treat the underlying condition that causes bronchiectasis and to manage symptoms. Treatment includes antibiotics to kill bacteria, bronchodilators to widen airways, expectorants to help you cough out the extra mucus or mucus-thinning medicines.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Hamed Saber
