General Information About Pertussis
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is a disease where a bacterium called Bordetella pertussis attaches to the cells lining the respiratory tract, secreting toxins that narrow the airways and create severe coughing crises.
It starts like a simple cold/fever for the first 1-2 weeks. Then it enters the paroxysmal stage; the patient coughs repeatedly and consecutively, loses their breath, and tries to take a deep breath at the end of the cough, producing a high-pitched 'whooping' sound.
In infants under 1 year of age, the classic coughing crisis may not be seen. Instead, the bacteria can cause the baby to suddenly stop breathing (apnea), turn blue, have seizures, or die from lack of oxygen.
It is highly contagious. It is transmitted when healthy individuals inhale bacteria that mix into the air through the coughing, sneezing, or breathing of an infected person in the same enclosed environment.
The characteristic 'whoop' sound of the cough is usually diagnostic. For a definitive diagnosis, a bacterial culture or PCR test is performed on a swab sample taken from the back of the nose or throat.
Antibiotics started in the early stages of the disease cut off contagiousness and alleviate the infection. The most fundamental prevention method is the DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) vaccine, which is part of the childhood vaccination schedule and is also recommended for pregnant women.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
