Describe the term Whooping cough.

1.	Describe the term Whooping cough.
Answer» • Whooping cough is caused by Bordetella pertussis and is a common childhood disease affecting the respiratory system. Mode of transmission • It has an incubation period of 10 – 16 days. • It spreads by droplet infection or by direct contact. Symptoms of Whooping cough (Pertussis) • It causes loss of appetite, fever, running nose, fatigue, sneezing and constant cough leaving the child breathless, tired and red in face. • Later the voice becomes hoarse and the cough gives a whoop or a loud crowing sound while inhaling. • The child usually vomits and there is frothy discharge from his mouth and nose. • There may be other complications like vomiting, convulsions and pneumonia. Prevention and treatment of Whooping cough (Pertussis) • Immunisation of the disease is done in infants by DPT vaccination at six weeks, three months and five months. • Erythromycin antibiotic is used for the treatment.

Answer»

• Whooping cough is caused by Bordetella pertussis and is a common childhood disease affecting the respiratory system.

Mode of transmission

• It has an incubation period of 10 – 16 days.

• It spreads by droplet infection or by direct contact.

Symptoms of Whooping cough (Pertussis)

• It causes loss of appetite, fever, running nose, fatigue, sneezing and constant cough leaving the child breathless, tired and red in face.

• Later the voice becomes hoarse and the cough gives a whoop or a loud crowing sound while inhaling.

• The child usually vomits and there is frothy discharge from his mouth and nose.

• There may be other complications like vomiting, convulsions and pneumonia.

Prevention and treatment of Whooping cough (Pertussis)

• Immunisation of the disease is done in infants by DPT vaccination at six weeks, three months and five months.

• Erythromycin antibiotic is used for the treatment.

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