Whooping-cough Health Dictionary

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Whooping Cough: From 3 Different Sources

Whooping-cough, or pertussis, is a respiratory-tract infection caused by Bordetella pertussis and spread by droplets. It may occur at all ages, but around 90 per cent of cases are children aged under ?ve. Most common during the winter months, it tends to occur in epidemics (see EPIDEMIC), with periods of increased prevalence occurring every three to four years. It is a noti?able disease (see NOTIFIABLE DISEASES). The routine vaccination of infants with TRIPLE VACCINE (see also VACCINE; IMMUNISATION), which includes the vaccine against whooping-cough, has drastically reduced the incidence of this potentially dangerous infection. In the 1990s over 90 per cent of children in England had been vaccinated against whooping-cough by their second birthday. In an epidemic of whooping-cough, which extended from the last quarter of 1977 to mid-1979, 102,500 cases of whooping-cough were noti?ed in the United Kingdom, with 36 deaths. This was the biggest outbreak since 1957 and its size was partly attributed to the fall in vaccination acceptance rates because of media reports suggesting that pertussis vaccination was potentially dangerous and ine?ective. In 2002, 105 cases were noti?ed in England.

Symptoms The ?rst, or catarrhal, stage is characterised by mild, but non-speci?c, symptoms of sneezing, conjunctivitis (see under EYE, DISORDERS OF), sore throat, mild fever and cough. Lasting 10–14 days, this stage is the most infectious; unfortunately it is almost impossible to make a de?nite clinical diagnosis, although analysis of a nasal swab may con?rm a suspected case. This is followed by the second, or paroxysmal, stage with irregular bouts of coughing, often prolonged, and typically more severe at night. Each paroxysm consists of a succession of short sharp coughs, increasing in speed and duration, and ending in a deep, crowing inspiration, often with a characteristic ‘whoop’. Vomiting is common after the last paroxysm of a series. Lasting 2–4 weeks, this stage is the most dangerous, with the greatest risk of complications. These may include PNEUMONIA and partial collapse of the lungs, and ?ts may be induced by cerebral ANOXIA. Less severe complications caused by the stress of coughing include minor bleeding around the eyes, ulceration under the tongue, HERNIA and PROLAPSE of the rectum. Mortality is greatest in the ?rst year of life, particularly among neonates – infants up to four weeks old. Nearly all patients with whooping-cough recover after a few weeks, with a lasting IMMUNITY. Very severe cases may leave structural changes in the lungs, such as EMPHYSEMA, with a permanent shortness of breath or liability to ASTHMA.

Treatment Antibiotics, such as ERYTHROMYCIN or TETRACYCLINES, may be helpful if given during the catarrhal stage – largely in preventing spread to brothers and sisters – but are of no use during the paroxysmal stage. Cough suppressants are not always helpful unless given in high (and therefore potentially narcotic) doses, and skilled nursing may be required to maintain nutrition, particularly if the disease is prolonged, with frequent vomiting.

Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary
an acute highly infectious disease usually caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, primarily affecting infants and often occurring in epidemics. After an incubation period of 1–2 weeks there is a catarrhal stage, in which the infant has signs of an upper respiratory tract infection; transmission is through droplet spread. This is followed by an irritating cough that gradually becomes paroxysmal within 1–2 weeks. The paroxysms are followed by a characteristic *whoop and vomiting. In the very young the classical whoop may not develop and instead the paroxysms may be followed by periods of *apnoea. The illness can last 2–3 months, giving it the name ‘the cough of 100 days’ in some countries. Infection can be complicated by bronchopneumonia, weight loss due to repeated vomiting, *bronchiectasis, and convulsions due to *asphyxia or bleeding into the brain tissue. Minor complications include subconjunctival haemorrhage, *epistaxis (nosebleed), facial *oedema, and ulceration of the tongue.

*Immunization against the infection was introduced in the UK in the 1950s and offers protection. An attack usually confers lifelong immunity. Despite good vaccine coverage resulting in the current low levels of disease, whooping cough is still a significant cause of illness and death in the very young. Medical name: pertussis.

Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Cough

A natural re?ex reaction to irritation of the AIR PASSAGES and LUNGS. Air is drawn into the air passages with the GLOTTIS wide open. The inhaled air is blown out against the closed glottis, which, as the pressure builds up, suddenly opens, expelling the air – at an estimated speed of 960 kilometres (600 miles) an hour. This explosive exhalation expels harmful substances from the respiratory tract. Causes of coughing include infection – for example, BRONCHITIS or PNEUMONIA; in?ammation of the respiratory tract associated with ASTHMA; and exposure to irritant agents such as chemical fumes or smoke (see also CROUP).

The explosive nature of coughing results in a spray of droplets into the surrounding air and, if these are infective, hastens the spread of colds (see COLD, COMMON) and INFLUENZA. Coughing is, however, a useful reaction, helping the body to rid itself of excess phlegm (mucus) and other irritants. The physical e?ort of persistent coughing, however, can itself increase irritation of the air passages and cause distress to the patient. Severe and protracted coughing may, rarely, fracture a rib or cause PNEUMOTHORAX. Coughs can be classi?ed as productive – when phlegm is present – and dry, when little or no mucus is produced.

Most coughs are the result of common-cold infections but a persistent cough with yellow or green sputum is indicative of infection, usually bronchitis, and sufferers should seek medical advice as medication and postural drainage (see PHYSIOTHERAPY) may be needed. PLEURISY, pneumonia and lung CANCER are all likely to cause persistent coughing, sometimes associated with chest pain, so it is clearly important for people with a persistent cough, usually accompanied by malaise or PYREXIA, to seek medical advice.

Treatment Treatment of coughs requires treatment of the underlying cause. In the case of colds, symptomatic treatment with simple remedies such as inhalation of steam is usually as e?ective as any medicines, though ANALGESICS or ANTIPYRETICS may be helpful if pain or a raised temperature are among the symptoms. Many over-the-counter preparations are available and can help people cope with the symptoms. Preparations may contain an analgesic, antipyretic, decongestant or antihistamine in varying combinations. Cough medicines are generally regarded by doctors as ine?ective unless used in doses so large they are likely to cause sedation as they act on the part of the brain that controls the cough re?ex.

Cough suppressants may contain CODEINE, DEXTROMETHORPHAN, PHOLCODINE and sedating ANTIHISTAMINE DRUGS. Expectorant preparations usually contain subemetic doses of substances such as ammonium chloride, IPECACUANHA, and SQUILL (none of which have proven worth), while demulcent preparations contain soothing, harmless agents such as syrup or glycerol.

A list of systemic cough and decongestant preparations on sale to the public, together with their key ingredients, appears in the British National Formulary.... cough

Cough Syncope

Temporary loss of consciousness that may be induced by a severe spasm of coughing. This is the result of the high pressure that may be induced in the chest – over 200 millimetres of mercury – by such a spasm, which prevents the return of blood to the heart. The veins in the neck begin to bulge and the blood pressure falls; this may so reduce the blood ?ow to the brain that the individual feels giddy and may then lose consciousness. (See FAINTING.)... cough syncope

Cough, Hectic

The dry and unproductive coughing in early bronchitis, when the mucosa is irritated but still too infected to secrete mucus... cough, hectic

Cough, Paroxysmal

Attacks of uncontrollable coughing or “whooping”, often relating to whooping cough or bronchiectasis, but they can also be caused by the smoke from burning plastics and (memories of yesteryear) hash oil.... cough, paroxysmal

Cough, Reflex

A cough induced by intestinal, gastric or uterine irritation, and not from respiratory causes.... cough, reflex

Tea For Cough

Cough is a response from your body to let you know that you have respiratory problems. Cough is very often associated with colds or pleurisy, but can also be triggered by both fungal and bacterial infections. At times, cough is consistent with phlegm, but you can also experience a very rare type of cough in which a virus makes your body think that you suffer from flu or colds. How a Tea for Cough Works A Tea for Cough’s main purpose is to dissolve the phlegm or make your body produce enough antibodies to fight all infections. Since cough is not a disease itself, you may want to try an herbal remedy before rushing to the drug store. However, not any tea is good for cough. When looking for a tea that could have a great effect on you and your body, you must keep in mind that you need a tea that’s both safe and very effective. Efficient Tea for Cough If you don’t know which teas to choose, here’s a list to guide you through: - Licorice Root Tea – brings relief to your bronchial tubes by stimulating your body to produce a thin layer of mucus and protect the membranes. You can also take it in case you’re suffering from other affections, such as menstrual and menopausal pains, stress, headaches, migraines and asthenia. - Marshmallow Root Tea – this Tea for Cough with a subtle Christmas scent can treat any respiratory system ailments, cleansing your body and inducing a state of relaxation. However, you must consult the specialist before taking this remedy in order to make sure everything will go as planned. - Sundew Tea – is also used as an anti-spastic and has anti-inflammatory properties. This particular Tea for Cough is rich in vitamins, minerals, volatile oils and nutrients and it’s good for any kind of problem that could affect your upper chest area. However, this is not a very safe tea and you should only take it while supervised. - Lemon Tea – make a decoction of lemons and drink it adding a hint of ginger, honey or mint in order to make it more pleasant. This is a good remedy for any auto-immune and inflammatory problems, starting with colds, flu and ending with sore throats. You may want to give it a try if you’re also suffering from loss of appetite, sleeplessness or asthenia. This tea can rejuvenate your skin and improve your general health in a heartbeat! Tea for Cough Side Effects When taken properly, these teas are generally safe. However, high dosage may lead to a number of problems such as diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or even hallucinations. Don’t take a Tea for Cough if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, on blood thinners (some of these teas will interfere with their action), anti coagulants or preparing for a surgery. When in doubt, always ask your doctor about the risks that an herbal remedy implies. If you have his permission and you’re feeling adventurous today, choose a Tea for Cough that fits you best and enjoy its health benefits!... tea for cough

Cough Syrup

Onion juice and honey. Slices of raw onion steeped overnight in 11b honey jar, quarter full, with screw cap. Taken by teaspoonful for obstructive airways disease, wheezing, etc. ... cough syrup

Coughing Of Blood

See: BLEEDING (haemoptysis). ... coughing of blood

Coughing Up Blood

A symptom, medically known as haemoptysis, that is caused by rupture of a blood vessel in the air-ways, lungs, nose, or throat. The coughed-up blood may appear as brightred or rusty-brown streaks, clots in the sputum, a pinkish froth, or, more rarely, blood alone. In all cases, medical assessment is needed. Many disorders can cause haemoptysis. The most common are infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis; and congestion in and rupture of blood vessels in the lungs due to heart failure, mitral stenosis, or pulmonary embolism. A cancerous tumour can also produce haemoptysis by eroding the wall of a blood vessel.

Investigations into coughing up blood include chest X-ray, and, in some cases, bronchoscopy. In about a 3rd of cases, no underlying cause is found. Treatment depends on the cause.... coughing up blood

Cough Remedies

Over-the-counter medications for treating a cough. There are various preparations, but the effectiveness of most is unproven. Expectorant cough remedies are purported to encourage expulsion of sputum. Cough suppressants, which control the coughing reflex, include some antihistamine drugs and codeine. All cough suppressants may cause drowsiness.... cough remedies

Cough, Smoker’s

A recurrent cough in smokers.

The cough is usually triggered by the accumulation of thick sputum in the airways due to inflammation caused by smoking.

Giving up smoking usually stops the cough but it may take time.

In general, the longer a person has been smoking, the longer it will take.

Smokers with a cough should seek medical advice, particularly if their cough changes, because smoking is associated with lung cancer (see tobacco-smoking).... cough, smoker’s

Coughing

n. a form of violent exhalation by which irritant particles in the airways can be expelled. Stimulation of the cough reflexes results in the glottis being kept closed until a high expiratory pressure has built up, which is then suddenly released. Medical name: tussis.... coughing

Cough Suppressant

see antitussive.... cough suppressant

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