Whooping Cough

What is Whooping Cough?

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is uncommon now, as the pertussis vaccine has made most children immune. Before this vaccine was developed, however, there were several hundred thousand cases of whooping cough each year in the United States. Now there are approximately 4,000.

This illness is called pertussis because it is caused by the pertussis bacterium, which attacks the lining of the breathing passages (bronchi and bronchioles), producing severe inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Severe coughing is a prominent symptom. If not recognized properly, the bacteria may spread to those in close contact with the infected person, through her respiratory secretions.

Who is at risk

Infants under one year of age are at greatest risk of developing severe breathing problems and life-threatening illness from whooping cough. Because the child is short of breath, she inhales deeply and quickly between coughs. These breaths (particularly in older infants) frequently make a “whooping” sound—which is how this illness got its common name. The intense coughing scatters the pertussis bacteria into the air, spreading the disease to other susceptible persons.

Symptoms

Pertussis often acts like a common cold for a week or two. Then the cough gets worse, and the older child may start to have the characteristic “whoops.” During this phase (which can last two weeks or more), the child often is short of breath and can look bluish around the mouth. She also may tear, drool, and vomit.

Infants with pertussis become exhausted and develop complications such as susceptibility to other infections, pneumonia, and seizures. Pertussis can be fatal in some infants, but the usual course is for recovery to begin after two to four more weeks. The cough may not disappear for months, and may return with subsequent respiratory infections.

When to call the pediatrician

Pertussis infection starts out acting like a cold. You should consider the possibility of whooping cough if the following conditions are present.

Treatment

The majority of infants with whooping cough who are less than six months old, and slightly less than one-half of older babies with the disease, initially are treated in the hospital. This more intensive care can decrease the chances of complications. These complications can include pneumonia, which occurs in slightly less than one-fourth of children under one year old who have whooping cough. (If your child is older, she is more likely to be treated only at home.)

While in the hospital, your child may need to have the thick respiratory secretions suctioned. His breathing will be monitored, and he may need to have oxygen administered. For several days, your youngster will be isolated from other patients to keep the infection from spreading to others.

Medications

Whooping cough is treated with antibiotics, usually for two weeks. These medications are most effective when they are given in the first stage of the illness before coughing spells begin. Although antibiotics can stop the spread of the whooping cough infection, they cannot prevent or treat the cough itself. Because cough medicines do not relieve the coughing spells, your pediatrician probably will recommend other forms of home treatment to help manage the cough.

Home treatments

Let your child rest in bed and use a cool-mist vaporizer to help soothe his irritated lungs and breathing passages. A vaporizer also will help loosen secretions in the respiratory tract. Ask your pediatrician for instructions on the best position for your child to help drain those secretions and improve breathing. Also ask your doctor whether antibiotics or vaccine boosters need to be given to others in your household to prevent them from developing the disease.

Prevention

The best way to protect your child against pertussis is with DTaP (immunizations at two months, four months, and six months of age, and booster shots at twelve to eighteen months and before entering school). The DTaP vaccine, known as the “acellular” type, protects your child against diphtheria (D), tetanus (T), and pertussis (aP). It has fewer side effects than earlier versions of the vaccine, causing less fever, irritability, and probably less risk of brain injury. The risk to your child from pertussis disease is greater than risking serious reactions from DTaP.

Therefore, the American Academy of Pediatrics urges parents to continue immunizing their infants against pertussis but to be aware of the following reactions that can occur, and the conditions under which the vaccine should not be used.

Severe reactions to the DTaP vaccine that should alert you and your pediatrician not to give another pertussis immunization include:

In addition, certain adverse reactions that occur in relation to DTaP vaccines are considered warnings against giving further administration of these vaccines. Because these events have not been proven to cause permanent injury, you and your pediatrician must weigh carefully the benefits of future vaccinations against risks. Adverse reactions in this category are:

In addition to the above, certain children probably should never get the “P” part of the injection in the first place: any child with a progressive neurological disorder or a neurological (nervous system) condition that increases the likelihood of developing a seizure.

Fortunately, the number of children to whom these rules apply is very small. Do not make the mistake of refusing to immunize your child if she is normal and healthy. The benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the risks.

 

Published online: 6/07

Source: Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5 (Copyright © 2004 American Academy of Pediatrics, Updated 5/05)
To order a copy of this book visit the AAP Bookstore.
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