What are the Common Symptoms of Pertussis in Children?

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Pertussis or otherwise called as whooping cough is a type of infection or disease that all of us should not take for granted. Although it causes the usual cough which we can also get from other respiratory infections, pertussis is still considered to be fatal if and only if it is not treated and intervened immediately. This is also the reason why we put importance and attention to the different symptoms of this respiratory infection. It is through these symptoms that we are able to identify pertussis and hand it with the right and proper interventions. Since this ailment is common among youngsters, here are some of the symptoms of pertussis in children.

Before we tackle the different symptoms of pertussis, it is vital for us to know first what causes this kind of health problem and what gets us infected. Pertussis is actually caused by a bacterium called Bordatella pertussis. This type of bacteria can also be transported through saliva, which is why small droplets could actually be the mode of transportation thus helping the spreading of the pertussis infection. Once we are infected, it takes at least three 3 to 12 days before the first signs and symptoms could actually appear. Most symptoms start in mild condition just like the common cold or flu. This includes runny nose or rhinorhea, nasal congestion, sneezing, red watery eyes, slight fever and dry cough.

After about two weeks from the first day these mild symptoms appear, the condition can actually worsen. It is in fact the start of the severe and prolonged coughing that can also produce thick and tenacious sputum or phlegm. Some children may also have vomiting and others may also show reddish or bluish discoloration of the face. It can also cause extreme fatigue since the prolonged and non stop coughing can consume most of the body’s energy. Aside from this, a whooping sound is also audible during inspiration post coughing. Nevertheless, not all individuals are able to exhibit such characteristic or symptom. Others may simply show the prolonged coughing, but without the whooping sound at the end.

So in case the situation of the infected child worsens, it is a must for us to let a doctor or physician to examine the condition. It is even better for us to see the doctor as soon as possible even if the mild symptoms are only ones present. It is best for us to remember that the sooner the treatment will star, the better the chances of faster recovery. These are some of the symptoms of pertussis or whooping cough especially among children.