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Pertussis
Alternate Names : Whooping Cough
 See all Pictures & Images
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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• Definition
• Pertussis Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Pertussis Symptoms & Signs
• Pertussis Prevention
• Pertussis Diagnosis & Tests
• Pertussis Treatment
• Pertussis Prognosis
• Pertussis Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Common Cold
• Dehydration
• Otitis
• Pneumonia
Tests & Exams
• CBC
• Throat Swab Culture
• WBC Count
Other Topics
• Breathing - Slowed or Stopped
• Breathing Difficulty
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Heimlich Maneuver
• Intravenous
• Muscle Cramps
• Nasal Discharge
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Nosebleed Injury
• Pertussis - Vaccine
• Respiratory
• Seizures
• Skin Discoloration - Bluish
Review Date : 7/30/2002
Reviewed By : Jonathan Fanaroff, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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