Pertussis
Alternate Names : Whooping Cough
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Pertussis Treatment
Erythromycin, an antibiotic, may shorten the duration of the symptoms somewhat if initiated early enough. Unfortunately, most patients are only diagnosed after the period of time when antibiotics are most effective, and so generally they are not used.
Infants under 18 months of age require constant supervision because breathing may temporarily stop during coughing spells. Infants with severe cases should be hospitalized.
An oxygen tent with high humidity may be used. Intravenous fluid may be indicated if coughing spells are severe enough to prevent adequate oral fluid intake. Sedatives may be prescribed for young children.
Cough mixtures or expectorants and cough suppressants are usually not helpful and should not be used.
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