Types of Whooping Cough or Pertussis 

Classic Pertussis: It begins with cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, fever, and cough, and progresses to severe coughing. The cough lasts for more than 10 weeks; hence, it is also known as the 100-day cough. 

Atypical or Mild Pertussis: This type of cough is common in partially immunised individuals and also presents in older individuals as a prolonged cough, typically without the whoop. 

Infant pertussis: A baby younger than 6 months may develop apnea instead of cough; this type can cause serious complications. 

Causes and Risk Factors of Pertussis

• The Bordetella pertussis causes it, and sometimes it is caused by B. Parapertussis, Which Is transmitted via respiratory droplets. 
• Lack of vaccination increases the risk of pertussis. 
• Close contact with an infected individual spreads the infection rapidly. 

Symptoms of Pertussis

• Catarhal Stage: In this stage, symptoms include a runny nose, fever, and occasional cough; this stage is highly contagious. 
• Paroxysmal Stage: This stage is characterised by rapid coughing episodes, often accompanied by whooping or gasping, and sometimes vomiting is present. A feeling of weakness and exhaustion is also present due to the severe coughing. 
• Convalescent Stage: In this stage, symptoms gradually resolve, and they may recur as other respiratory illnesses. 

Diagnosis of Pertussis

• Diagnosis of pertussis is based on a detailed medical history, understanding of the cough pattern, and physical examination by a doctor. 
• Nasopharyngeal swabs or PCR to confirm the diagnosis at an early stage. 
• Blood tests and a chest X-ray are advised based on our symptoms. 

Complications of Pertussis

• It can cause sepsis, apnea and pneumonia in infants in a few cases. 
• Rib fractures, hernias, and urinary incontinence are addressed. 
• It can cause secondary infections, such as pneumonia, ear infections, weight loss, and a prolonged cough.

Treatment of Pertussis 

• Oral medications
• Intravenous medications
• Intensive care in severe cases

Prevention and Lifestyle Management of Pertussis. 

• Vaccination with Tdap for infants is not recommended; instead, a Tdap booster should be administered every 10 years under the guidance of healthcare professionals. 
• Maintain good hand hygine. 
• Stay hydrated. 
• Take adequate rest. 
• Avoid irritants, allergens and humidified air. 

Whooping cough requires immediate medical attention and treatment. It starts as a common cold, which a person may neglect due to the mild character of the symptoms. However, proper treatment during this stage can help facilitate a rapid recovery and prevent further complications.