Pertussis

 

Pertussis (Whooping cough) is an infectious bacterial disease that causes uncontrollable coughing. The name comes from the noise that comes when the patient takes a breath while coughing.

 

 

Common symptoms are:

1. Choking spells

2. A cough so hard that you vomit

 

 

Anyone can get whooping cough, but it is more common in infants and children.

 

 

1. To make a diagnosis, your doctor may examine you physically.

2. The doctor may also suggest a few more tests such as:

     a) Blood tests

     b) Chest x-rays

     c) Nose or throat cultures

 

 

Whooping cough can be treated with antibiotics (if taken well in time).