Pertussis Symptoms: Noticing This Change In Your Eyes Could Be A Warning Sign

Every year, the world loses about 2.4 million people to pertussis or whooping cough. Most pertussis-related deaths occur among babies younger than 3 months of age. In the last decade, about 20 babies in the U.S. die from this fatal disease every year.

The symptoms of whooping cough usually develop within 5-10 days after one gets exposed. In some cases, the symptoms do not develop until 3 weeks. Early symptoms of this disease typically exhibit as cold-like symptoms alongside mild cough or fever. Among babies, the cough could be minimal or hardly be experienced. They might experience apnea, which is a pause in the child’s breathing pattern.

The classic symptoms of whooping cough begin with cold-like symptoms, including a runny nose and watery eyes accompanied by a harsh repetitive cough alongside a whooping noise. Individuals suffering from this condition also vomit often after a coughing spell. Whooping cough is highly contagious and individuals can spread the disease to others living in the same household especially those who are unimmunized.

The infected individuals cough throughout the day and night and the cough might also be triggered by acts including yawning, stretching, laughing, yelling and exercise.

Whooping cough is caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. If you have been exposed to anyone in your household infected with this disease, it is recommended that you get preventative antibiotic therapy. If you suspect an exposure and you experience cold-like symptoms, see a doctor at the earliest and get tested and begin antibiotic therapy. Rush to the doctor at the earliest, especially if you are experiencing a persistent debilitating cough.

Symptoms of dehydration among babies including the dry, sticky mouth, sleepiness, tiredness, thirst, decreased urination, few or no tears while crying, headache, dizziness, and weakness. Families should report the above-mentioned symptoms and get treated immediately to avoid any complications.

Later-stage symptoms of pertussis include vomiting, exhaustion after coughing fits, fits or many rapid coughs followed by a high-pitched whoop sound, CDC said.

The whooping sound occurs when there isn’t any air in the lungs and you might be forced to inhale.