PULSE YOUR HEALTH

  Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that causes a severe coughing fit. It can affect people of any age, but it is especially dangerous for young children, who may have trouble breathing, vomit, or even die from complications. Whooping cough is caused by a bacterium called Bordetella pertussis , which attaches to the cilia (tiny hair-like structures) that line the respiratory tract. The bacteria produce toxins that damage the cilia and make it hard to clear mucus and other secretions from the lungs. This leads to inflammation, irritation, and a persistent cough. Symptoms of Whooping Cough The symptoms of whooping cough usually appear about 7 to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria, but they can take up to 21 days to develop. The infection has three stages: The first stage, called the catarrhal stage, lasts for 1 to 2 weeks. It is similar to a common cold, with symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever, and...