| ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX |
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Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test |
| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
Pertussis |
| Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention |
| Alternative Names: |
| Whooping cough |
| Treatment: |
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Erythromycin, an antibiotic, may shorten the duration of the symptoms somewhat if initiated early enough. Unfortunately, most patients are only diagnosed after the period of time when antibiotics are most effective, and so generally they are not used. Infants under 18 months of age require constant supervision because breathing may temporarily stop during coughing spells. Infants with severe cases should be hospitalized. An oxygen tent with high humidity may be used. Intravenous fluid may be indicated if coughing spells are severe enough to prevent adequate oral fluid intake. Sedatives may be prescribed for young children. Cough mixtures or expectorants and cough suppressants are usually not helpful and should not be used. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
| In older children, the prognosis is generally very good. Infants are the group at the highest risk. Infants less than 6 months of age have a 0.5% to 1% risk of death, which is why they need careful monitoring. |
| Complications: |
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| Calling your health care provider: |
| Call your health care provider if you or your child develops symptoms of pertussis. Emergency symptoms include a bluish skin coloration indicating a lack of oxygen, periods of stopped breathing (apnea), seizures or convulsions, high fever, persistent vomiting, and dehydration. |
Respiratory system overview |
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