WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is pertussis? Pertussis, or whooping cough, is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs. Your air passages get plugged with thick mucus, which causes coughing spells. Pertussis is usually less serious in adults and most serious in babies and young children. Pertussis is caused by bacteria. It is easily spread in the air when someone with pertussis coughs or sneezes. What are the signs and symptoms of pertussis? It may take 3 to 21 days to get pertussis after you come in contact with the bacteria. This time is called the incubation period. Pertussis begins like a cold. After you cough and you take a breath, you may make a whooping noise. You may also cough up thick mucus after a coughing spell. You may cough for several weeks or months after you begin to feel better. You may also have the following signs and symptoms: - Red or watery eyes
- Sneezing and a runny, stuffy nose
- A cough that may worsen after 7 to 14 days
- Fever or sweating
- No interest in eating or drinking
- Fatigue, often after a coughing spell
- Vomiting because of the coughing
How is pertussis diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will do a physical exam and listen to your lungs. He will ask about your symptoms and how long you have felt sick. He may ask if you have other health conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have been around anyone who has pertussis. He may order the following tests to find the cause of your symptoms: - Blood tests will help your healthcare provider find out if you have an infection.
- A nasal swab is a test that may help your healthcare provider learn which type of germ is causing your illness. It is done by placing a cotton swab into your nose to collect a sample of nasal mucus.
- A chest x-ray may be done to look for signs of infection, such as pneumonia.
How is pertussis treated? - NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly. Do not use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) total of acetaminophen in one day.
- Antibiotics help treat or prevent a bacterial infection.
How can I manage my symptoms? - Drink liquids as directed. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. You may need to drink small amounts of liquid every hour when awake. This will help prevent dehydration. Good liquids to drink are water, fruit juices, or sports drinks. Limit caffeine.
- Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. If you are not hungry, eat smaller amounts more often. Healthy foods may give you energy and help you feel better.
- Rest as much as possible until you begin to feel better.
- Use a cool mist humidifier to increase air moisture in your home. This may make it easier for you to breathe and help decrease your cough.
- Do not smoke or be around anyone who smokes. Your breathing and coughing may get worse if you are near smoke. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help quitting.
How can I help prevent the spread of pertussis? Stay away from others to help prevent the spread of pertussis. Do not return to work until your healthcare provider says it is okay. Get vaccines as directed. Vaccines help protect you and others around you from infection. Call 911 for the following: - You have trouble breathing.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You have a fever.
- Your cough is getting worse.
- You are vomiting and cannot keep anything down.
- You are not sleeping or resting because of the cough.
- You have a headache, dizziness, or confusion.
- You have dry mouth or increased thirst.
- You are urinating little or not at all.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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