Pertussis, Child

sound. All people with this illness will make this sound. Pertussis tends to be worse in babies and children because their airways or breathing tubes are smaller. ‚

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What are the causes?

Pertussis is caused by a germ called Bordetella pertussis bacteria. These bacteria can be easily passed by direct contact with a person who has this illness. If one child gets it, other children around that child will most likely get the infection too. ‚

What can make this more likely to happen?

Babies can easily get this illness.
Children and adults without booster shots against pertussis
Having a weakened immune system
Living with someone who has this illness
Spending time in places with many other people, like a daycare
Having a classmate or close contact with this illness
Being pregnant can make you more at risk.

What are the main signs?

Pertussis has three stages: ‚

In the first stage, it may seem like your child is getting a cold. This stage may last 1 to 2 weeks.
The second stage includes coughing fits or spells that may last 1 to 2 minutes, coughing so often your child may throw up, and coughing to the point your childs face turns red or purple. This stage may last from 1 to 10 weeks.
In the last stage, your child starts to feel better with less coughing. This stage may last 2 to 3 weeks.

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?

Your doctor will ask about your childs history and do an exam. The doctor will test how your child's breathing and listen to the lungs. The doctor will tell your child to take deep breaths. The doctor may also feel the sides of the neck for swollen areas. ‚
The doctor may order: ‚

Lab tests
Nose swab
Chest x-ray

How does the doctor treat this health problem?

The doctor may give your child drugs to treat this illness. Your child may also need oxygen to help with breathing. Oxygen is given by putting a small tube near the nose or by using a mask. The doctor may suggest that your child stay in a hospital to be watched more closely by a nurse. ‚

Are there other health problems to treat?

Hernia, broken rib, or broken blood vessels in the eye or face due to lots of coughing
Weight loss and poor nutrition

What drugs may be needed?

The doctor may order drugs to: ‚

Fight an infection
Help the cough
Lower fever
Treat a runny nose

Will there be any other care needed?

Have your child drink extra glasses of water, juice, or broth to keep up strength.
Use a cool mist humidifier to help keep your childs airways moist and help with breathing.
Use nose drops to ease stuffiness.
Use 2 to 3 pillows when an older child is lying down to make it easier to breathe and sleep. Do not use pillows with babies.
Do not give your child sports drinks, soft drinks, or other drinks that have too much sugar.
Keep your child calm to help lower coughing.

What problems could happen?

Hernia, broken rib, or broken blood vessels in your eye or face due to lots of coughing
Weight loss and poor nutrition
Another lung illness

What can be done to prevent this health problem?

People who live with your child may need treatment. This may keep them from getting sick.
Get your child vaccinated. A vaccine is the best way to prevent infection.
For adults and older children, get a booster shot if you had pertussis vaccine when you were a child.
The germs are easily passed to others by sneezing, coughing, or touching other people. Practice proper hand washing. Have your child wash hands for 15 seconds or more with soap and warm water. Teach your child to sing the Happy Birthday song or the ABCs while washing hands. Hand washing is the best way to prevent infections.
Have your child cough into the elbow. This can prevent germs from being carried into the air.
Wipe surfaces with a disinfectant. Wipe door handles, telephones, and tables.
If you know that people in your community have pertussis, avoid crowded areas where you may be around sick people.

Helpful tips

Do not let your child eat while lying down.
If your child is throwing up because of coughing, have your child wait a few minutes before eating.
Have your child eat smaller meals so your child is less likely to throw up.
Have your child avoid smoke and wood-burning stoves.

Where can I learn more?

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/ ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/lung/whooping_cough.html ‚
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases ‚
http://www.nfid.org/pertussis/ ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/191/viewAbstract ‚
Sounds of Pertussis ‚
http://www.soundsofpertussis.com/ ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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