Bordetella pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, is a severe bacterial infection of the lining of the throat and windpipe. It is very contagious and dangerous for infants.
This condition is characterized by prolonged, harsh, repetitive and violent coughing episodes that end with a hurried deep breath (the whooping sound). The coughing can continue for weeks or even months.
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A runny nose, or rhinorrhea, is an indication that your body is trying to flush out mucus from the nasal and sinus passages. Mucus serves several important functions: it lubricates your nasal and sinus passages to prevent them from drying out; it traps bacteria, viruses and other contaminants to prevent them from reaching your lungs and other organs; and it contains antibodies, enzymes and proteins that fight infections.
A chronically running nose, or one that lasts longer than 10 days, can indicate structural problems in your nose and sinuses such as a deviated nasal septum, enlarged adenoids or nasal polyps. You may need to see an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist for an evaluation.
Pertussis is an acute infection of the lining of the windpipe caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It is highly contagious and is usually passed from person to person by infectious droplets coughing, sneezing or speaking1. A runny nose during the catarrhal stage of pertussis is an indication that the bacterial invasion of the nasal and sinus passages has begun2. The paroxysmal phase of the disease is characterized by episodes of intense, achy, whooping coughs that give the disease its name.
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Sneezing is a physical reaction to irritation in the nasal lining or throat. Sneezing, also called sternutation, forces water and air with incredible force out of the nose and mouth, expelling the irritating substance with it.
Each sneeze sends up to 40,000 tiny droplets into the air and onto nearby surfaces. Viruses and bacteria in the droplets can then be inhaled or picked up by people who are close to you.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a serious disease caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It’s highly contagious and can cause life-threatening consequences in infants. Symptoms start about 7 to 10 days after exposure and vary by age.
During the first stage, symptoms resemble the common cold and last 1-2 weeks. Then intense fits of coughing (paroxysms) start. If a person has been vaccinated, symptoms may be milder but can still develop.
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Many people with B. pertussis experience symptoms that resemble a common cold, such as a runny nose, sneezing and a mild cough. These symptom may last for up to 21 days, although some people have no symptoms at all.
Once symptoms start, they get worse and include a prolonged fits of coughing (paroxysms). These fit often end with a whooping sound as air is inhaled. During these fits, the lips and area around the mouth can turn blue. A fever may also accompany these fits.
Vaccination against B. pertussis is recommended for infants and those who have not been fully vaccinated before the age of 2. The illness can be deadly for infants with small airways, especially in severe cases. This is why it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of whooping cough, as early detection can help to prevent serious complications. Dr. Cotter studies the adherence and virulence of Bordetella pertussis, as well as its close relatives B. bronchiseptica and B. parapertussisHu. Her laboratory has found that fimbrial subunits of these pathogens mediate bacterial adherence to the human ciliated airway epithelium, as well as suppression of host inflammatory responses.
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Pertussis (whooping cough) is caused by an acute respiratory infection with the bacterial pathogen Bordetella pertussis. The bacterium spreads in the air through tiny germ-laden droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The bacteria attach to the lining of the nose and throat, where they cause inflammation and make it harder for people to breathe.
The most prominent symptoms of whooping cough are the prolonged episodes of intense, forceful coughing that give the disease its name. These episodes of coughing are often accompanied by the high-pitched sound that gives the condition its name, but they can also include gagging and vomiting.
This condition is highly contagious, especially in infants. Even children who are vaccinated for whooping cough may get the illness from an infected sibling or parent. The whooping cough vaccine wears off over time, which leaves teens and adults susceptible to the illness during outbreaks that occur periodically in some areas of the country.
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A coughing spasm (also called laryngospasm and bronchospasm) is a sudden involuntary tightening of your vocal cords that can temporarily interfere with breathing. This can be scary, especially if it happens while driving or operating machinery. It can also cause dizziness and fainting.
A person with pertussis will experience frequent episodes of intense coughing spasms, often lasting for longer than 60 seconds. These can be brought on by yawning, laughing, eating or breathing in cold air. The intense and long-lasting nature of the episodes means they can make people feel exhausted and lead to a loss of sleep. They can also lead to a lack of energy and affect mood. These symptoms are particularly serious in babies, as their small airways can be irritated and blocked.
Pertussis is a highly contagious infection and most commonly occurs in babies, as they are unlikely to be fully immunised. However, adults can catch the infection too. This can be particularly dangerous as they are more likely to suffer from the complications of the disease, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
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A whooping cough is a sound made when you gasp for breath after a bout of prolonged and intense coughing. It can also lead to a short pause in breathing, called apnea, and can cause the skin to turn dusky blue (cyanosis) in babies and young children.
This condition is most dangerous for infants who are not fully immunized and can be fatal. The disease spreads from person to person through airborne droplets, including when coughing or sneezing. Babies can also catch it from their parents or older siblings, and even from vaccinated adults who have been infected.
The early symptoms of whooping cough overlap with the common cold, so it’s not always diagnosed right away. A health care provider can confirm pertussis with a bacterial culture or a polymerase chain reaction test. The tests require taking a sample from the nose or mouth and sending it to a lab for testing.