How to Treat Whooping Cough
Whooping cough derives its name from the distinct whoop associated with coughing spasms. Also known as pertussis, this disease was greatly reduced through the administration of the DPT vaccination to children. It has, however, made a comeback and is becoming widespread worldwide.
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Instructions
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Understand Signs and Symptoms of Whooping Cough
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Realize that during treatment, whooping cough is contagious for a lengthy time period.
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Beginning 7 days after exposure to the Bordetella pertussis bacteria to as long as 3 weeks after the initial onset of coughing spasms, the germs can be contagious.
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Know that whooping cough can be present in adults as well as children. Since the symptoms are typically less severe in adults, the disease is often mistaken for a cold or upper respiratory infection.
Begin Treatment for Whooping Cough
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Avoid exposure to other family members by isolating the infected person for the first 5 days of antibiotics. Wear surgical masks while in the same room with the patient.
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Wash your hands frequently since the bacteria that causes whooping cough is easily transmitted through contact.
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Consume lots of fluids. Dehydration is a common complication of whooping cough. Juices, water, fruits and soups are great sources to replenish fluids and provide nutrients.
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Reduce the potential for vomiting associated with intense coughing by eating small meals. Typically, six small meals instead of three regular meals is quite effective.
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Take only medications that are prescribed by your physician, especially for cough.
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Soothe your symptoms with a cool mist vaporizer. The extra moisture in the air will make breathing easier, loosen secretions and reduce the roughness of the cough.
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Understand your doctor may treat whooping cough as a family illness and prescribe antibiotics to everyone in the household.
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Understand that comfort measures may be all that is possible to treat whooping cough. In some cases, the antibiotic, cough suppressants or bronchodilators do not make any difference.
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Stay home and rest if you're an adult with whooping cough. Allow the body to recover with minimal stress.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider all measures to treat whooping cough since complications can include pneumonia, sinusitis, lung collapse and many more.
If your child turns blue during a coughing spell, call 911 and start CPR as needed. Hospitalization is often required for young children with whooping cough.
Watch children with whooping cough closely for signs of dehydration. A decrease in urine output (fewer diapers), dry lips and crying without tears are all signs that should be reported to your doctor immediately.
