Pertussis
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Explore overview, symptoms, causes, treatment, diagnosis, prevention, and FAQ articles for this condition.
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What is Pertussis
Pertussis is a contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory tract caused by Bordetella pertussis . It primarily affects the airways, especially the ciliated lining of the trachea and bronchi, where it disrupts the normal mechanisms that clear mucus and inhaled particles.…
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FAQ about Pertussis
Pertussis, also called whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can cause severe and prolonged coughing. This FAQ article explains what pertussis is, how it spreads, what symptoms it causes, how doctors diagnose it, how it is treated, and…
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Symptoms of Pertussis
Pertussis, also called whooping cough, produces a characteristic pattern of symptoms that begins with a mild upper respiratory illness and can progress to intense coughing fits, vomiting after coughing, and a distinctive “whoop” during inhalation. The symptoms are not caused simply…
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Causes of Pertussis
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is caused by infection with the bacterium Bordetella pertussis . The disease develops when this organism enters the respiratory tract, attaches to the lining of the airways, and releases toxins that interfere with normal airway…
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Treatment for Pertussis
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is treated primarily with antibiotics, supportive care, and measures that reduce the spread of infection. The main treatment goals are to limit the activity of Bordetella pertussis , the bacterium that causes the disease, reduce symptom burden,…
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Diagnosis of Pertussis
Pertussis, also called whooping cough, is usually identified through a combination of clinical suspicion and laboratory confirmation. The disease is caused by Bordetella pertussis , a bacterium that attaches to the lining of the respiratory tract and releases toxins that disrupt…
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Prevention of Pertussis
Pertussis, also called whooping cough, is an infectious respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis . Unlike conditions driven mainly by genetics or long-term internal disease processes, pertussis is primarily an exposure-related infection. That means it can often be prevented at the…