Whooping Cough

By Jan Fidler, Vice President Patient Care Services

While the State of Nebraska has reported an increase in the number of pertussis, or whooping cough, there have been no cases confirmed through the Laboratory at Community Hospital. Of the 103 confirmed cases in Nebraska in 2004, most were in Douglas County. Nationwide, pertussis is at a 40-year high, with 39 percent of the reported cases affecting those between 10 and 19, according to the Center for Disease Control.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis or B. parapertussis bacteria) of the upper respiratory system, specifically, the area where the nasal passages meet the back of the throat (nasopharynx). The infection causes irritation in breathing passages, resulting in severe coughing spells. During a coughing episode, it may be temporarily impossible to take a breath because of the intensity and repetition of coughs. When finally able to breathe, the person may take in a sudden gasp of air through airways narrowed by inflammation, sometimes causing a whooping noise (thus the name). Other symptoms generally include runny nose, sneezing, and fever. These coughing spells can also result in vomiting, which may lead to malnutrition. Symptoms of whooping cough typically last 6-10 weeks, but may last longer.

Healthy adults who become infected with whooping cough often have a much milder form of the illness compared to children. However, adults age 60 years and older are at increased risk of having severe symptoms and developing complications. The severity of symptoms is, in part, influenced by whether a person was immunized against whooping cough and how long ago the immunization was given. The protection against whooping cough provided by the vaccine wears off over time.

You can prevent or decrease the severity of whooping cough infection in your child by keeping immunizations up to date. Whooping cough vaccine is not currently recommended for adults, however a booster immunization is expected to be available for adolescents and adults in the near future. Frequent handwashing is also important to prevent the spread of infection. Keep children away from people who have a severe cough, especially if it is possibly related to whooping cough.

Whooping cough is treated with antibiotics, primarily to help reduce the spread of infection. Home treatment measures include a calm, restful environment, using a cool mist humidifier, controlling triggers of a coughing episode (smoke, dust, changes in temperature, etc), and giving small, frequent sips of fluids and nutritious foods.