Whooping cough, also known as long cough or whooping cough, is a respiratory disease caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis , which causes inflammation in the lungs and airways. This disease occurs more frequently in babies under 1 year of age and manifests itself differently than in older children. Learn more about whooping cough.
Because babies have smaller airways, they are more likely to develop pneumonia and bleeding and, therefore, it is important to be aware of the first symptoms of the disease, such as persistent cough, difficulty breathing and vomiting. See what are the symptoms and possible complications of pertussis.
Main symptoms
The symptoms of pertussis in the baby are usually:
- Persistent cough, especially at night, which lasts for 20 to 30 seconds; Runny nose; Noises between bouts of cough; Bluish color on the baby's lips and nails during coughing.
In addition, there may be a fever and after the crisis the baby may release a thick phlegm and the cough may be so strong that it causes vomiting. Also know what to do when your baby is coughing.
As soon as the first symptoms appear, it is important to take the baby to the pediatrician as soon as possible so that the diagnosis and treatment can be started. Usually the doctor can reach the diagnosis of pertussis only by observing the symptoms and the clinical history told by the child's caregiver, but, to clarify doubts, the doctor may request the collection of nasal secretion or saliva. The collected material is sent to the laboratory so that it can carry out analyzes and identify the causative agent of the disease.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of pertussis in the baby is done with the use of antibiotics according to the baby's age and the pediatrician's guidance. In babies less than 1 month old, the most recommended antibiotic is Azithromycin, while in older children the use of Erythromycin or Clarithromycin, for example, is recommended.
Another treatment option, depending on the characteristics of the bacteria, is the use of the combination of Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim, however these antibiotics are not recommended for babies under 2 months of age.
How to prevent pertussis in the baby
Whooping cough prevention is done through vaccination, which is done in four doses, the first dose at 2 months of age. Babies with incomplete vaccination should not stay close to people with a cough, especially before the age of 6 months, as their immune system is not yet prepared for this type of infection.
It is also important that from the age of 4 onwards the vaccine booster is taken every 10 years, so that the person is protected against infection. See what the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine is for.
