One out of every 10 children who has pertussis goes on to develop pneumonia, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children most vulnerable to the effects of pertussis, and infectious respiratory condition, include toddlers, whose immature breathing systems make them more likely to suffer complications and require hospitalization.
Identification
Commonly called whooping cough, pertussis is an extremely contagious infection that develops in your toddler's upper respiratory tract. The bacteria that cause pertussis -- Bordatella pertussis or Bordatella parapertussis -- secure themselves to the lining of the respiratory tract and produce inflammation and swelling. A toddler gets the infection by inhaling bacteria-laden droplets typically sent into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Once a child shows signs of pertussis, the infection can remain for eight to 10 weeks or longer and may result in multiple respiratory complications, including pneumonia and pauses in breathing.
Symptoms
Whooping cough symptoms usually start to appear approximately 10 days after a child is exposed to the bacteria. At first, symptoms resemble those of the common cold and often include a runny nose, low-grade fever and minor cough that typically last seven to 14 days. At some point during the second week of symptoms, the cough drastically worsens; toddlers and babies experience coughing fits or paroxysms that leave them physically weakened and short of breath. At the tail end of these coughs, you'll notice a distinctive whooping noise, which occurs when sucking in air to take a breath.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Arrange an appointment with your pediatrician as soon as you notice signs of pertussis, especially cold-like symptoms that last more than a week along with the distinctive coughing. Depending on symptoms, the doctor may collect a nasal secretion for lab testing and prescribe antibiotics to aid the body in fighting off the infection. Monitor your toddler closely for signs of life-threatening breathing pauses, which may occur during the coughing fits. Seek emergency medical treatment if you notice these breathing pauses or other serious symptoms, including bluish skin, repeated bouts of vomiting and convulsions.
Prevention
Minimize your toddler's chances of developing pertussis by ensuring that she receives all of her pertussis vaccinations on schedule. Most children receive their first whooping cough vaccination at the age of 2 months, followed by subsequent doses at 4 months, 6 months, 15 to 18 months and a final booster between 4 and 6 years. Adults should also get a pertussis booster every 10 years, especially if they live with young children. If a pertussis outbreak occurs in your community, keep your toddler at home as much as possible to minimize direct contact with sick individuals.
References
- "Parents' Guide to Childhood Immunizations"; CDC; 2007
- "Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child"; Dr. Robert Rountree, et al.; 2003
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Pertussis Signs and Symptoms
- MedlinePlus: Pertussis
