What are the symptoms of whooping cough in infants?

Nov 12, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

Introduction

Symptoms of pertussis in infants typically include paroxysmal coughing, runny nose and sneezing, low-grade fever, vomiting, cyanosis, and rapid breathing. If any abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Pertussis is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease. Infants should remain at home in isolation and are usually treated according to medical advice with pediatric cough syrup, ceftriaxone sodium, pertussis tablets, and other medications.

Pertussis (whooping cough) in infants typically presents with symptoms such as paroxysmal coughing, runny nose and sneezing, low-grade fever, vomiting, cyanosis, and rapid breathing. If any abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Paroxysmal coughing: The hallmark symptom of pertussis is paroxysmal, spasmodic coughing. This type of cough occurs in repeated, intense bouts that last for a prolonged duration. The infant's face may turn red or even blue during severe coughing episodes. A characteristic high-pitched "whoop" sound during inhalation may accompany the cough.

2. Runny nose and sneezing: In the early stages of pertussis, infants may experience runny nose and sneezing, similar to common cold symptoms. However, these symptoms tend to persist longer than a typical cold. Initially, nasal discharge may be clear and watery but can become purulent over time.

3. Low-grade fever: Some infants may develop a mild fever during pertussis, with body temperature generally ranging between 37.5°C and 38°C. However, not all infants will have a fever, and high fever is uncommon.

4. Vomiting: Increased abdominal pressure during coughing fits may lead to vomiting, especially after feeding or during coughing episodes. After vomiting, the infant's mouth should be cleaned promptly to prevent aspiration or choking.

5. Cyanosis and rapid breathing: Infants under 3 months of age may present with continuous coughing followed immediately by cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin) and rapid breathing. In severe cases, symptoms such as chest retractions (triple concavity sign) and asphyxia may occur.

Pertussis is a highly contagious acute respiratory infection. Infants diagnosed with pertussis should remain at home in isolation and avoid contact with other children to prevent cross-infection. Treatment is typically carried out under medical guidance using medications such as pediatric cough syrup, ceftriaxone sodium, and pertussis tablets.

View All

Does roseola in infants cause itching?

Roseola infantum usually does not cause skin itching. It is an acute febrile rash illness caused by infection with human herpesvirus 6 or 7, characterized primarily by rose-colored maculopapular rash appearing on the skin after high fever, and the rash is typically asymptomatic.

View Full Answer

Can children with infantile roseola eat eggs?

During roseola in infants, eggs can be consumed in moderation as long as the child has no prior egg allergy and the eggs are thoroughly cooked. This illness is caused by human herpesvirus 6 or 7, most commonly affecting children between 6 months and 2 years of age. The typical course involves a sudden high fever lasting 3 to 5 days, followed by the appearance of a generalized rose-colored rash after the fever subsides. During the febrile phase, gastrointestinal motility slows and digestive enzyme activity decreases, so the diet should balance nutrition with easy digestibility.

View Full Answer

Why is my baby passing green stool, and what should I do about it?

In general, the main causes of green stool in infants include improper feeding practices, cold abdomen, lactose intolerance, bacterial enteritis, and intussusception. Parents can choose appropriate interventions based on the specific situation, such as adjusting feeding methods, improving daily care, medication, or surgical treatment. In daily life, it is important to ensure proper feeding, avoiding both underfeeding and overfeeding, and to keep the baby's abdomen warm.

View Full Answer

What is the best treatment for infantile urticaria?

Generally speaking, there is no such thing as a "best treatment for infantile urticaria." The main treatment approaches for infantile urticaria include avoiding triggers, local skin care, oral medications, traditional Chinese medicine regulation, and monitoring of the condition. In addition, parents should be aware that infants have delicate skin and their bodily systems are not yet fully developed.