Pertussis

DESCRIPTION

Definition
 
Pertussis (Whooping cough) is an infectious bacterial disease that causes uncontrollable coughing. The name comes from the noise that comes when the patient takes a breath while coughing.
 
Signs and Symptoms
 
Common symptoms are:
1. Choking spells
2. A cough so hard that you vomit
 
Causes and Risk Factors
 
Anyone can get whooping cough, but it is more common in infants and children.
 
Investigations
 
1. To make a diagnosis, your doctor may examine you physically.
2. The doctor may also suggest a few more tests such as:
     a) Blood tests
     b) Chest x-rays
     c) Nose or throat cultures
 
Treatment
 
Whooping cough can be treated with antibiotics (if taken well in time).
 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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