Whooping Cough
By: medical-advisorTotal Views: 368, Word Count: 410,
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a severe bacterial infection that was common in children before immunization became common practise. Your child may be feverish and have cold symptoms 7-21 days after contracting the disease. Then spasms of coughing develop with a typical high-pitched "whoop" as the child breathes in. Coughing is usually worse at night and may trigger vomiting. The illness can be serious in small babies.
Arrange to see your doctor immediately if you suspect your child has whooping cough.
What to do for Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough can be distressing, so follow these steps to make your child more comfortable.
- Be calm and reassuring. If your child is having trouble sleeping, try to share the care at night.
- Offer plenty of clear fluids. Try honey and lemon, but don't give honey to babies under 1 year.
- Give your child a painkiller to reduce fever and discomfort. Don't use cough medicines - they will not help.
- Humidifying the room may help to ease the cough.
- Offering your child soft, easy-to-swallow food in small portions will help to prevent vomiting.
- Keep your home free of irritants such as tobacco smoke and aerosol sprays.
Arrange to see your doctor if your child's condition deteriorates or to check that your child is fit to return to school; he or she may have coughing fits for several months after the illness.
Drug Remedies for Whooping Cough
Painkillers will help to reduce discomfort and bring down a fever. Give paracetamol, which is available as liquid medicine, soluble tablets, or melt-in-the-mouth tablets. Your pharmacist wil able to advise which type is most suitable for your child.
Liquid paracetamol - You can give medicines containing liquid paracetamol to a child over 3 months old.
Practical Techniques for Whooping Cough
Humidifying air in a room will soothe your child's air passages and help to loosen mucus. Use one of the following methods.
- Place a humidifier by the child's bed, or hang a wet towel close to a radiator.
- Sit with your child in the bathroom and run hot water in the bath or shower to create steam.
Prevention
An effective vaccine that protects against whooping cough is included in the childhood immunization programme. Make sure your child is immunized according to the recommended schedule.
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