There are few diseases more frightening to a parent or caregiver than whooping cough. Its symptoms can often mimic (or even begin) as a cold, with low-grade fever, a runny nose, and slight cough, and then it seems as if, sometimes, overnight, the coughing gets worse-louder, harsher, and more difficult for the child to control or stop. This article aims to help parents and caregivers help their children avoid this horrible and frightening disease.What is it?
Whooping cough is a viral infection, caused by a bacterium known as Bordetella pertussis. As previously described, it can begin with a slight cold, and then develops with a cough that seems to get worse and louder over time.The "whoop" in the name is used to describe the sound the child makes when they try to catch their breath from these horribly wracking fits the disease causes. In some children, the fits become so bad that the child has trouble catching their breath, begins to vomit, or may even become exhausted from the constant coughing.This disease can be especially deadly for babies, who may not necessarily manifest the obvious symptoms but may experience apnea, in which they pause or even stop regular breathing.
How to Prevent It
The best way to prevent this condition is to get your child vaccinated with the DTaP vaccine. This particular vaccine has proven to be very effective in helping children avoid whooping cough altogether or at least minimizing the symptoms.
Because whooping cough can be quite persistent in some areas, older children and teenagers are encouraged to have booster vaccines prior to beginning middle school and finishing high school. In some states, all children are required by law to be vaccinated. They may not be allowed to enter the schoolroom until they have received the relevant vaccinations.
Treatment
If a parent or caregiver thinks a child may have contracted whooping cough, contact a pediatrician immediately. Usually, this condition can only be treated with a round of antibiotics, and it is best to make sure the child takes the fully scheduled round. If the symptoms persist or it seems they are getting worse, it is advisable to contact a pediatrician as quickly as possible so that the treatment can begin. In some children, it may not take much for the condition to turn into pneumonia.
At times like these, the best diet for your child includes light meals such as soups and boiled or steamed vegetables. Make sure your child stays hydrated with plenty of water or juice.
Keep them as comfortable as possible. It might help to run a vaporizer at night to keep nasal and bronchial passages clear and moisturized as well.Whooping cough can be frightening, but it is treatable. Vaccination is the best defense, as is frequent hand washing and basic hygiene practices. As always, contact a doctor if a child is suspected to have whooping cough.
Whooping cough is a viral infection, caused by a bacterium known as Bordetella pertussis. As previously described, it can begin with a slight cold, and then develops with a cough that seems to get worse and louder over time.The "whoop" in the name is used to describe the sound the child makes when they try to catch their breath from these horribly wracking fits the disease causes. In some children, the fits become so bad that the child has trouble catching their breath, begins to vomit, or may even become exhausted from the constant coughing.This disease can be especially deadly for babies, who may not necessarily manifest the obvious symptoms but may experience apnea, in which they pause or even stop regular breathing.
How to Prevent It
The best way to prevent this condition is to get your child vaccinated with the DTaP vaccine. This particular vaccine has proven to be very effective in helping children avoid whooping cough altogether or at least minimizing the symptoms.
Because whooping cough can be quite persistent in some areas, older children and teenagers are encouraged to have booster vaccines prior to beginning middle school and finishing high school. In some states, all children are required by law to be vaccinated. They may not be allowed to enter the schoolroom until they have received the relevant vaccinations.
Treatment
If a parent or caregiver thinks a child may have contracted whooping cough, contact a pediatrician immediately. Usually, this condition can only be treated with a round of antibiotics, and it is best to make sure the child takes the fully scheduled round. If the symptoms persist or it seems they are getting worse, it is advisable to contact a pediatrician as quickly as possible so that the treatment can begin. In some children, it may not take much for the condition to turn into pneumonia.
At times like these, the best diet for your child includes light meals such as soups and boiled or steamed vegetables. Make sure your child stays hydrated with plenty of water or juice.
Keep them as comfortable as possible. It might help to run a vaporizer at night to keep nasal and bronchial passages clear and moisturized as well.Whooping cough can be frightening, but it is treatable. Vaccination is the best defense, as is frequent hand washing and basic hygiene practices. As always, contact a doctor if a child is suspected to have whooping cough.