What is whooping cough, what are the symptoms in children and babies and how can it be treated?
Infection can be particularly dangerous in youngsters - here are the signs to look out for
WHOOPING cough can be dangerous, particularly in youngsters.
But what is it, what are the symptoms and how can it be treated?
What is whooping cough?
Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways.
It can last for two to three months, causes repeated coughing bouts and can make young children and babies, in particular, very ill.
Whooping cough can affect people of any age but youngsters are particularly at risk of complications such as dehydration, weight loss, pneumonia, fits, kidney problems, brain damage and in very rare occasions death.
There are routine vaccinations which can protect children from whooping cough, although they do not provide lifelong protection.
A new vaccine is currently being developed which will be more effective against the bug than the current vaccine.
What are the symptoms?
Early symptoms are similar to a cold and include a runny nose, sore throat and slight temperature.
After about a week intense coughing bouts develop - particularly at night.
People with whooping cough usually bring up a thick mucus and bouts of coughing can be followed by vomiting.
The strain of coughing can cause sight bleeding under the skin or eyes.
Young children can sometimes briefly turn blue. NHS advice is that this often looks worse than it is and their breathing should return to normal quickly.
In very young babies the cough may be less pronounced, but there can be brief periods where youngsters stop breathing.
How can it be treated?
The NHS advises people see their GP if they or their child have the symptoms of whooping cough, have had a cough for more than three weeks or have a particularly severe cough that is getting worse.
If you or your child are having significant breathing difficulties, fits or signs of pneumonia call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
Children under six months and people with severe symptoms will normally be admitted to hospital for treatment.
People diagnosed in the first three weeks of the infection may be given antibiotics, but after this point they are not considered to be helpful.
While people recover medical professionals advise plenty of rest, lots of fluids and paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat a fever.
Parents are advised to ensure they clean mucus and sick from around their children's mouths.
How do you prevent whooping cough from spreading?
Stay away from nursery, school or work until five days after starting a course of antibiotics, or three weeks after coughing bouts started.
Cover you or your child's mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze.
Dispose of used tissues immediately.
Wash hands regularly with soap and water
Source: NHS Choices
