Whooping cough (bortatellosis, cough caused by Bordetella pertussis) is an acute infectious disease characterized by paroxysmal cough that can last up to several weeks and lead to a significant reduction in the quality of life. This disease is caused by the gram-negative bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which binds to the respiratory epithelia and produces toxins that lead to inflammation and irritation of the respiratory tract. Gradually, the disease progresses, causing difficulty breathing, specific coughing fits and accompanying symptoms such as vomiting and cyanosis. Although whooping cough can affect people of all ages, it causes the most serious consequences in infants and young children, which makes vaccination especially important.
History of the disease and interesting historical facts
Whooping cough was first described in 1578, when French pediatrician Hippolyte Jean Badon published his observations highlighting the unique characteristics of the cough associated with childhood infections. Since then, many studies have been conducted to document its evolution and spread. Fun fact: Whooping cough was an epidemic problem in Europe and North America in the 19th century, causing high morbidity, especially among children. During the first decades of the 20th century, the development of vaccines dramatically reduced the incidence of the disease. However, despite the existence of a vaccine, whooping cough remains a pressing public health problem, with periodic outbreaks, especially among unvaccinated populations.
Epidemiology
Epidemiological data show that whooping cough continues to be a significant health event. According to the World Health Organization, more than 151,000 cases of the disease were registered worldwide in 2018, with the majority being children under 5 years of age. In recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of the disease in developed countries, which is associated with both a refusal to vaccinate and a decrease in immunity in the adult population. Epidemiologists note that the incidence of whooping cough in some regions can be several times higher than the level recommended to prevent outbreaks. It is important to note that the incidence of the disease can be seasonal, with an increase in cases in the winter months.
Genetic predisposition to this disease
To date, research has shown that genetic factors may influence susceptibility to whooping cough. Certain modes of inheritance may make it easier or more difficult to develop the infection. Changes in genes associated with the immune response have been shown to influence susceptibility to Bordetella pertussis. For example, variations in genes encoding cytokines and their receptors may determine how effectively the body responds to infection. However, more research is needed to definitively determine the role of genetic factors in susceptibility to whooping cough.
Risk factors for the development of this disease
Several factors can increase your risk of getting whooping cough, including:
- Age: Infants and young children are most susceptible to severe forms of the disease.
- Lack of vaccination: Not being vaccinated against whooping cough significantly increases your risk of getting the disease.
- Immunocompromised: People with weakened immune systems, including those with HIV or taking immunosuppressive drugs, are at greater risk.
- Contact with infected people: Close interactions with infected people can facilitate transmission of infection.
- Environment: Crowds of people, such as schools and daycare centers, increase the likelihood of outbreaks.
Diagnosis of this disease
Diagnosis of whooping cough includes several aspects:
- The main symptoms are a characteristic spasmodic cough, the cycles of which may end with vomiting or high-pitched inhalation (screams).
- Laboratory tests: diagnosis can be confirmed using PCR methods and serological blood tests.
- Radiologic tests: Chest x-ray may show changes consistent with infection, although it is not specific.
- Other diagnostic tests: Bronchoscopy may be used in rare cases to assess the condition of the airways.
- Differential diagnosis: It is necessary to exclude other causes of cough, such as viral and bacterial infections, allergies and asthma.
Treatment
Treatment of whooping cough consists of both general and specific strategies:
- General treatment: ensure rest, maintain airway transparency with inhalers and physiotherapy.
- Pharmacological treatment: use of antibiotics (eg, azithromycin) to shorten the duration of infection and reduce spread.
- Surgical treatment: not used, since the disease is infectious and does not require surgical intervention.
- Other treatments: In some cases, antitussives are recommended, as well as immunosuppressive therapy to treat complications.
List of medications used to treat this disease
The main drugs used to treat whooping cough include:
- Azithromycin
- Clarithromycin
- Erythromycin
- Amoxicillin
Disease monitoring
Monitoring of patients with whooping cough includes:
- Control stages: regular examinations to assess the patient's condition, the level of oxygen in the blood and the state of the respiratory tract.
- Prognosis: With timely and adequate treatment, the prognosis is usually favorable, but long-term consequences are possible.
- Complications: May include pneumonia, otitis, seizures, and pulmonary hypertension.
Age-related features of the disease
Whooping cough has different clinical manifestations in different age groups:
- Infants: have the highest risk of severe illness, often resulting in hospitalization.
- Children: Symptoms in children may be less severe, but the risk of complications remains.
- Teens and adults: Whooping cough may be mild and mistaken for a common cold.
Questions and Answers
- How is whooping cough transmitted? Whooping cough is transmitted by airborne droplets from an infected person to a healthy one.
- How effective is the whooping cough vaccine? Vaccination against whooping cough is effective and significantly reduces the risk of disease, but does not provide absolute protection.
- Is it possible to recover from whooping cough without treatment? A simple form of whooping cough may go away without special treatment, but this increases the risk of complications.
- What are the main symptoms of whooping cough in children? The main symptoms include a spasmodic cough, vomiting and difficulty breathing.
- At what stage is whooping cough most dangerous? Whooping cough is most dangerous in the first weeks after symptoms begin, especially for infants.
