PERTUSSIS
(Part 3)
The Bohol Tribune (TBT):
Good afternoon, Dr. Bryan. We are still on the topic, PERTUSSIS. Our previous discussion said that infants and children are the common victims of PERTUSSIS. You said, too, that they could get pertussis especially if they have not received all the recommended vaccines. There are also mothers who can put their babies at risk of Pertussis especially if these mothers did not get Tdap while pregnant. Please elaborate, Dr. Bryan.
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza:
Okay, our studies will tell us to inform parents that children should get doses of the vaccine for protection against the disease. We should note that there was a time when diphtheria was the leading cause of death in children simply because they did not receive the vaccine.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): By the way, i would like to go back to the complications that pertussis bring.
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: I have already given you the more serious complications. Other less serious complications include ear infection, loss of appetite, and dehydration. Adults with pertussis can have complications such as pneumonia (up to 5% of cases) and rib fracture from coughing (up to 4% of cases).
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): Now, let us go to the treatment of Pertussis. How should one manage the treatment of Pertussis, Dr. Bryan?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: Treatment of Pertussis vary according to age. I do not wish to prescribe treatment over the radio – on air. I would still suggest that if one feels he has Pertussis, he should go and see a doctor. But, initially, several antibiotics are available to treat pertussis.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): I understand.
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: I would say that, generally, doctors treat whooping cough with antibiotics. There are several antibiotics available to treat pertussis and it is important to start the treatment before the coughing begins.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): How long should the treatment for Pertussis be?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: This would again depend on the severity of the case. If treatment is started early in the course of illness, then, the doctor can lessen the symptoms. Cases will become non-infectious after completing 5 days of antibiotic treatment. Treatment initiated more than 3 weeks after onset of illness is of no value because viable organisms are no longer present.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): Is it possible to treat Pertussis at home?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: I would say that if your child is being treated for Pertussis at home, follow the schedule for giving antibiotics exactly as your doctor prescribed. Giving cough medicine probably will not help, as even
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): What is the best way to prevent Pertussis, Dr. Bryan?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: I would suggest that people get vaccines against Pertussis. Otherwise, studies show that there are preventive antibiotics to protect people who have been exposed and are at high risk of developing severe Pertussis. (To be Contined)