Dangerous complications of pertussis in children

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor II Huynh Thi Diem Thuy - Vaccine Consultant - Pediatrics - Neonatology Department, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.
Whooping cough is a dangerous acute infectious disease in children. The disease causes many dangerous complications such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, convulsions, encephalitis, intussusception, ... and can lead to death.

1. How is pertussis spread?

The main causative agent of pertussis is the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. This bacterium invades the upper respiratory tract, resides and grows in the epithelial cilia of the larynx, trachea, and then secretes Pertussis toxin.
Whooping cough is highly contagious, especially for children living in the same closed space such as at home or school. The disease is most contagious during the first 2 weeks from the onset of the disease and is transmitted through the respiratory tract by direct contact with secretions from the mucous membranes of the nose and throat of an infected person when coughing or sneezing. The disease is highly contagious... However, after 5 days of appropriate antibiotic treatment, the patient can no longer cause infection.

2. Dangerous complications of whooping cough

Patients with whooping cough for a long time can lead to many complications such as respiratory failure, pneumonia, cerebral hypoxia, encephalitis, conjunctival hemorrhage, even leading to respiratory arrest and death if not detected and Early treatment, especially in children under 1 year of age. And causes many dangerous complications such as:
Neurological complications: Convulsions are common in young children or infants, hemiplegia, limb paralysis and aphasia due to cerebral hemorrhage or congestion. These are rare but very serious complications of pertussis, the rate of sequelae and mortality is quite high
In addition, pertussis can cause complications such as tongue ulcer, alveolar rupture, umbilical hernia , inguinal, rectal prolapse, intussusception, pneumothorax, bruising under the eyelids, and most dangerously, intracranial bleeding.

3. How to prevent whooping cough?

The most effective way to prevent pertussis is to have children vaccinated against the disease fully and on time. Vaccination against whooping cough can be highly effective, up to 90%. Currently on the market there is a single vaccine or a 5-in-1 mixed vaccine (for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type B) that is used for children according to the program schedule. Expanded vaccination
Isolation of sick people: must isolate children, keep children away from people who show signs of pertussis. If someone in the family has whooping cough, it needs to be treated completely, other members need to wear a mask when in close contact with the sick person and have appropriate treatment. Family members must regularly wash their hands with soap, cover their coughs or snees, and keep children's body hygiene daily. airy, clean and well-lit.

4. Treatment of whooping cough

For children with mild pertussis, parents can self-care at home under the guidance of medical staff. Parents need to follow the instructions of the doctor, including: resting the child, isolating the sick child, keeping the child's personal hygiene clean, clearing the airway and giving the child the correct medication according to the doctor's prescription. But when you notice that your child has signs such as: prolonged cough, cyanosis in the cough, vomiting a lot, poor appetite, a lot of crying, etc., it is necessary to take the child immediately to a medical facility for timely examination. and treatment.

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