If you believe that your child has whooping cough, it is important that you seek medical attention. They will be able to take samples and perform other tests, enabling to determine whether the condition is present. If it is, they can also recommend whooping cough treatments and medications, if necessary.

Whooping Cough Symptoms and Signs:

Whooping cough symptoms and early signs are similar to that of a cold and include a low fever, mild cough, sneezing, and a runny nose.

Understanding Whooping Cough Treatments and Medications:

Whooping cough is a self-limiting disease and one that usually doesn’t cause complications. However, some physicians may still prescribe antibiotics, mainly to make the length of time that people suffer from the condition can be reduced. However, this is only true if it is given before the cough starts. One of the key things about antibiotic treatment is that it can prevent the disease from spreading. This is why antibiotics are almost always given. You may also be eligible for vaccinations or boosters, which are some of the best whooping cough treatments and medications.

Whooping Cough Complications:

In some cases, hospital treatment is required. This is particularly true in very young children and babies, because they are at an increased risk of pneumonia. For children who are younger than six months, they will require hospitalization as the disease can be life threatening. Possible complications include dehydration, needing oxygen, apnea, and breathing difficulties. If admitted to hospital, it is likely that the first course of action will be an aspiration of the sinuses so that the patient can breathe normally again.

Overall,  whooping cough does not require complex treatments. Cough medicine is not beneficial nor effective. In fact, for children under the age of six, they should never be given cough syrup. As your child recovers, they should be allowed plenty of rest. A cool mist vaporizer is also beneficial to soothe aching breathing passages and irritated lungs. Also, make sure there are no irritants in your house, including tobacco smoke. Lastly, monitor the patient to see if there are specific irritants that they react to.

It is common for children with whooping cough to start vomiting or to find it difficult to eat and drink. Make sure that you offer plenty of regular, small meals and drinks. Make sure you monitor them for dehydration, which has symptoms that include:

– Irritability

– Thirst

– Lethargy

– Restlessness

– Dry tongue and mouth

– Sunken eyes

– Tearless cries

– Not needing to use the toilet

If you believe that your children have whooping cough, or if you believe they have been in contact with someone who has, you need to make sure that they get medical attention. Your doctor will also be able to tell whether your child has had an immunization against it. Although the condition is self-limiting and self-resolving, medical assistance is required if children vomit after they cough, their skin turns a different color, their cough comes with a whooping sound, they struggle to breathe or have apnea, or if you find that they become sluggish. If treatment has been provided to children, and they start to worsen or to develop signs of dehydration, you must immediately return to your physician.