The treatment of pertussis is done with the use of antibiotics that must be used according to medical advice and, in the case of children, treatment must be carried out in the hospital so that it is followed up and, thus, possible complications are avoided.
Whooping cough, also known as Pertussis or long cough, is an infectious disease caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria that can happen at any age, even in those people who have already been vaccinated against the disease, but in a less severe way. Whooping cough transmission occurs through the air, through droplets of saliva expelled through coughing, sneezing or during the speech of people with the disease.
How the treatment is done
Whooping cough is treated with antibiotics, usually Azithromycin, Erythromycin or Clarithromycin, which should be used according to medical advice.
The antibiotic is chosen according to the symptoms presented by the person, as well as the characteristics of the drug, such as risk of drug interaction and potential to cause side effects, for example. Antibiotics, however, are only effective in the initial stage of the disease, but doctors still recommend taking antibiotics to eliminate bacteria from secretions and reduce the possibility of contagion.
In children, it may be necessary for the treatment to be carried out in the hospital, as coughing attacks can be very severe and lead to complications, such as the rupture of small veins and cerebral arteries, causing damage to the brain. Learn more about whooping cough in the baby.
Natural treatment for whooping cough
Whooping cough can also be treated in a natural way through the consumption of teas that help to reduce coughing attacks and help in the elimination of the bacteria. Rosemary, thyme and golden stick have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can be effective in the treatment of whooping cough. However, the consumption of these teas should be made with the guidance of the doctor or a herbalist. Learn more about home remedies for pertussis.
How to prevent
Whooping cough prevention is done through the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine, known as DTPA, whose doses should be administered at 2, 4 and 6 months of age, with booster at 15 and 18 months. People who have not been immunized correctly can get the vaccine in adulthood, including pregnant women. See how the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine works.
In addition, it is important not to stay indoors with people who have coughing crises, as it may be whooping cough, and avoid contact with people already diagnosed with the disease, as vaccination does not prevent the onset of the disease, it only reduces its severity.
Main symptoms
The main symptom of pertussis is a dry cough, which usually ends in a prolonged and deep inspiration, generating a high-pitched sound. The signs and symptoms of pertussis still include:
- Runny nose, malaise and low fever for approximately 1 week; Then the fever disappears or becomes more sporadic and the cough becomes sudden, rapid and short; After the 2nd week there is a worsening of the condition where if other infections, such as pneumonia or complications in the central nervous system.
The person may experience pertussis at any age, but most cases occur in babies and children under 4 years old. See what are the other symptoms of pertussis.
