Pertussis (whooping cough)

Subject: Child Health Nursing

Overview

The respiratory infection known as whooping cough (pertussis) is brought on by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis (or B. pertussis). It primarily affects infants under six months of age who have not yet received their vaccines and children ages 11 to 18 whose immunity has begun to wane. Severe coughing fits brought on by whooping cough can occasionally produce a "whooping" sound when the youngster inhales. Runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever, and a slight cough are the initial signs of whooping cough, which are similar to those of the common cold.To treat it, isolate the child in a warm, quiet environment, support the child when coughing, give oxygen if breathing difficulty is present, and encourage getting enough rest. The pertussis vaccination, which doctors frequently provide together with shots against diphtheria and tetanus, is the most effective approach to avoid a whooping cough. Doctors advise starting vaccinations in early childhood.

Pertussis (a whooping cough)

Introduction

The bacterium Bordetella pertussis is the source of the whooping cough (pertussis), a respiratory ailment (or B. pertussis). According to Kids Health, it primarily affects children between the ages of 11 and 18 whose immunity has begun to wane and infants younger than 6 months who are not yet protected by immunizations.

A whooping cough causes violent coughing fits that occasionally culminate in a "whooping" noise when the child inhales.

Epidemiology

Agent: bordetella pertussis

Source of infection: case of pertussis

Incubation period: 7-14 days up to 31 days

Age: infant and preschoolers

Season: winter and spring

Others: overcrowding. Low socioeconomic a poor living condition

Mode of transmission: Droplet infection and direct contact

Signs and Symptoms

The first symptoms of a whooping cough are similar to those of a common cold:

  • Runny nose.
  • Sneezing.
  • Mild cough.
  • Low-grade fever.

The dry, bothersome cough eventually develops into coughing fits after about a week or two. A youngster may become crimson or purple during a coughing attack, which can persist for more than a minute. The youngster could vomit at the conclusion of a spell or make the recognizable whooping sound when breathing in. The youngster normally feels normal in between bouts.

Not all children and infants with whooping cough experience the coughing fits and accompanying whoop. Additionally, infants don't always cough or whoop as older children do. Infants experiencing particularly severe spells may appear to be gasping for air, have a reddened face, and even briefly stop breathing (a condition known as apnea).

Diagnosis

  • Clinical presentation.
  • History taking.
  • Total leucocytes count.
  • Fluorescent antibody staining of the laryngeal swab.

Management

  • Hospitalization for severe cases.
  • Antibiotics should be given erythromycin 40-50 mg/kg/day orally for 14 days.
    • A small dose of bronchodilators to relieves bronchospasm
  • Nebulization with salbutamol to controls bout of a cough.
  • Bethamethasone in very young infant in life-threatening condition.

Nursing Management

  • Isolate the child in a warm and quiet environment.
  • Protect the child from risk factors.
  • Keep the child in propped up position during the attack of a cough.
  • An assist for respiratory clearance.
  • Provide support.
  • Administer oxygen if breathing difficulty is present.
  • Medication as prescribed.
  • Give small frequent digestible foods
  • Promote adequate rest.

Prevention

The pertussis vaccine, which doctors frequently administer along with vaccines against diphtheria and tetanus, is the most effective way to prevent a whooping cough. Doctors advise starting vaccinations in early childhood.

Five injections make up the vaccine, which is typically administered to children between the ages of:

  • 2 months,
  • 4 months,
  • 6 months,
  • 15 to 18 months,
  • 4 to 6 years.

 REFERENCE

  • Ambika Rai, Kabita Dahal. Community Healtrh Nursing-II. Kathmandu: Makalu Publication House, 2011.
  • Kids Health. 1995. 2017 <http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/whooping-cough.html>.
  • Marlow, D. R, & Pedding, B. A. (1988). Textbook of pediatric nursing.Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders.
  • Mandal, G.N. A textbook of adult nursing . kathmandu: Makalu publication house, 2013.
  • Uprety, Ms. Kamala. Child Health Nursing. Dilibazar, Kathmandu: Ms. Hima Uprety, 2070.
Things to remember
  • The respiratory infection known as whooping cough (pertussis) is brought on by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis (or B. pertussis).
  • It primarily affects infants under six months of age who have not yet received their vaccines and children ages 11 to 18 whose immunity has begun to wane.
  • A whooping cough causes violent coughing fits that may lead the youngster to breathe in with a "whooping" noise.
  • Runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever, and a slight cough are the initial signs of whooping cough, which are similar to those of the common cold.
  • Place the youngster in a cozy, peaceful setting.
  • The best way to prevent a whooping cough is with the pertussis vaccine, which doctors often give in combination with vaccines against two other serious diseases — diphtheria and tetanus. Doctors recommend beginning vaccination during infancy.
Questions and Answers

The bacterium Bordetella pertussis is the source of the whooping cough (pertussis), a respiratory infection. It primarily affects infants under six months of age who have not yet received their immunizations and children ages 11 to 18 whose immunity has begun to wane.

Whooping cough's initial signs resemble those of the common cold:

  • Low-grade fever,
  • A slight cough,
  • A runny nose

The dry, bothersome cough eventually develops into coughing fits after about a week or two. A youngster may become crimson or purple during a coughing attack, which can persist for more than a minute. The child might vomit at the end of a spell or make the recognizable whooping sound when breathing in. The child usually feels normal in between spells.

Not all children and infants with whooping cough experience the coughing fits and accompanying whoop. Additionally, infants don't always cough or whoop like older children do. Infants experiencing particularly severe spells may appear to be gasping for air, have a reddened face, and even briefly stop breathing (a condition known as apnea).

Management:

  • Inpatient care for serious cases
  • Antibiotics must be administered. Erythromycin oral suspension, 40–50 mg/kg/day for 14 days
  • Bronchospasm can be treated with a little dose of bronchodilators.
  • Salbutamol nebulization is used to treat coughing fits.
  • In a life-threatening situation, a very young infant is receiving betamethasone.

Nursing management:

  • Place the child in a cozy, peaceful setting.
  • Shield the child from dangers.
  • When the youngster has a coughing fit, keep them propped up.
  • An aid in clearing the airways.
  • Provide assistance.
  • If breathing trouble is apparent, give oxygen.
  • Taking medicine as directed.
  • Give modest, often consumed meals.
  • Promote getting enough sleep.

Prevention:

The pertussis vaccine, which doctors frequently administer along with shots against diphtheria and tetanus, is the most effective approach to avoid a whooping cough. Doctors advise starting vaccinations in early childhood.

Five doses make up the vaccine, which is commonly administered to children between the ages of:

  • 2 months
  • 4 months
  • 6 months
  • 15 to 18 months
  • 4 to 6 years

 

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