Can whooping cough cause problems later in life?

Can whooping cough cause problems later in life?

Summary: People born during whooping cough outbreaks are more likely to die prematurely even if they survive into adulthood, new research has found. Women had a 20% higher risk of an early death, and men a staggering 40%.

Does whooping cough damage lungs long term?

Post-lung infection. Childhood (and sometimes adult) lung infections such as tuberculosis, measles, whooping cough and pneumonia can leave behind areas of damaged lung with bronchiectasis.

Can pertussis last for years?

Reinfection appears to be uncommon but does occur. With natural infection, immunity to pertussis will likely wane as soon as seven years following disease; reinfec- tion may present as a persistent cough, rather than typical pertussis.

Why is whooping cough making a comeback?

Whooping cough, a potentially life-threatening childhood illness, all but disappeared in the 1940s after a vaccine was developed. But in recent decades, the illness has been making a comeback. Changes in the vaccine and waning immunity are likely contributing to the resurgence of the illness, according to experts.

How does whooping cough ( pertussis ) affect the body?

The characteristic “whoop” cough is due trying to inhale through the narrow, inflamed airways. The inability to draw breath may cause a red- or blue-colored face and exhaustion. Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a serious respiratory infection that can jeopardize the health of babies, children and adults.

Can you get whooping cough as an adult?

Whooping cough infections tend to affect babies more often and more severely than other people. However, older children and adults can also contract this illness. Getting the whooping cough vaccine will lower your chances of getting the disease. In turn, this will help prevent you from passing the disease on to infants and other people around you.

Is the whooping cough vaccine 100% effective?

While pertussis vaccines are the most effective tool to prevent this disease, no vaccine is 100% effective. When pertussis circulates in the community, there is a chance that a fully vaccinated person, of any age, can catch this disease.

What happens to your face when you have whooping cough?

Sometimes it can cause your face to briefly turn red or purple. Most people with whooping cough have coughing spells, but not everyone does. Infants may not make the whooping sound or even cough, but they might gasp for air or try to catch their breath during these spells.

How does a whoop cough affect the body?

This causes mucus accumulation, which leads to continual coughing and sometimes vomiting. The bacterium also populates the breathing tubes in the lung, inflaming and narrowing them. The characteristic “whoop” cough is due trying to inhale through the narrow, inflamed airways.

Who is most at risk for complications from whooping cough?

Infants who are younger than age 12 months who are unvaccinated or haven’t received the full set of recommended vaccines have the highest risk for severe complications and death. Teens and adults often recover from whooping cough with no problems. When complications occur, they tend to be side effects of the strenuous coughing, such as:

Why do I have a hard time breathing when I have whooping cough?

Seem to be struggling to breathe or have noticeable pauses in breathing Whooping cough is caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, tiny germ-laden droplets are sprayed into the air and breathed into the lungs of anyone who happens to be nearby.

What is the name of the bacteria that causes whooping cough?

Whooping cough is caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, tiny germ-laden droplets are sprayed into the air and breathed into the lungs of anyone who happens to be nearby. The whooping cough vaccine you receive as a child eventually wears off.