Babies are small and have a weak immune system, so coughing is a regular occurrence, but it is important to prevent whooping cough. Winter and spring are the most common times for whooping cough, which is highly contagious, has a long course, severe cough, pneumonia, encephalopathy and other complications; generally, the younger the baby, the more severe the disease, so parents must pay close attention to it.
Pertussis (also known as “whooping cough”) is an acute respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis and is spread mainly through droplets. It is characterized by a paroxysmal spasmodic cough with a deep, “cockle”-like inspiratory roar, and can last for several months if not treated promptly and effectively.
Diagnosis of pertussis The initial stage of pertussis is flu-like, with runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever, and a mild cough that does not improve and lasts for 2 to 3 months. (Note: Infants under 6 months of age and adults generally do not present with the typical chicken cough. Adults and young adults, as well as children who are not fully immunized, have milder symptoms.)
The incubation period is 3 to 21 days, usually 7 to 10 days, and the onset of the disease can be divided into 3 phases (initial cough, spasmodic cough, and recovery phase).
Because of the violent spasmodic cough, the child often coughs with a red face, exchange of snot and tears, tongue outward, and finally coughs up a large amount of mucus, and has a roaring sound like a chicken due to vigorous inhalation, which occurs several times a day or even 30-40 times a day, especially at night, and the younger the child, the worse the disease.
Infants as young as 3 months old often show paroxysmal breath-holding, cyanosis, and asphyxia, while older infants show a typical violent spasmodic cough, and some even have generalized spasms, loss of consciousness, or even death. It may also be combined with encephalopathy, both of which can lead to cerebral hypoxia and brain tissue damage, which can affect the intellectual development of the child and can often be life-threatening if not treated in time.
Pertussis prevention and care 1, isolate the source of infection timely isolation 4-7 weeks, it is best to let the baby live alone in a room or a corner, air circulation, avoid adverse stimuli, such as smoke, fatigue, mental tension, etc..
2.Living environment Create a good living environment, keep the air fresh, but also to prevent the wind and cold, clothes and blankets wash and dry regularly, keep clean. After the onset of the disease, the sick child should pay attention to rest and ensure sleep. For children whose coughing at night frequently affects their sleep, sedative drugs can be given as appropriate.
3. Diet and rest The baby should rest in bed, keep a good state of mind, and let him cry less; pay attention to diet regulation, ensure the daily supply of calories, fluids, vitamins and other nutrients, emphasize nutritious, small and frequent meals, and enhance the physical fitness of the child.
4.Timely sputum discharge Timely sputum discharge to prevent apnea. Pick up young children when they have coughing fits and pat their backs.
Some drugs that can dilute sputum can be given to cough up sputum, but they should not be applied for heavy cough reaction and small infants; for serious sputum obstruction, use aspirator to suck out the secretion.
5.First-aid measures When baby convulsions, use drugs such as Valium, compound chlorpromazine or phenobarbital to stop the convulsions When baby coughs spasmodically, sputum thick sputum obstruction asphyxia, immediately aspirate or artificially assisted breathing.