What causes whooping cough in infants?

Jun 15, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My baby has been coughing for a long time, and the treatment doesn't seem to help. After going to the hospital, the doctor diagnosed it as whooping cough. What causes whooping cough in infants?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Whooping cough in infants is mainly caused by the following factors: 1. Low immunity: Infants' immune systems are not yet fully developed, making it easier for Bordetella pertussis to invade the respiratory tract and cause infection. 2. Droplet transmission: Bordetella pertussis can spread through respiratory droplets; when infants come into contact with these contaminated droplets, they may become infected. 3. Contact transmission: If infants come into contact with secretions from individuals with whooping cough, such as saliva or sputum, they may also contract the bacteria. 4. Malnutrition: Prolonged malnutrition can weaken an infant's immune system, thereby increasing the risk of whooping cough infection. 5. Environmental factors: Poor hygiene conditions, inadequate ventilation, and other unfavorable environmental factors in the infant's surroundings may also increase the likelihood of Bordetella pertussis infection.