Whopping Cough Science Paper

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Because this disease mimics other common ailments, diagnosis is difficult. Health professionals may perform the following procedures to check for pertussis. A physical exam that includes listening to the lungs, a nose/throat culture to test for the bacteria, (Clinic, 2014), blood tests to check for elevated white blood cell counts, and chest x-rays to check for inflammation or fluid in the lungs (Brown, 2015). If the tests indicate a pertussis diagnosis the following may occur: babies are admitted into the hospital while teen and adult patients are put into isolation (Brown, 2015), fluids are administered usually by IV to counteract dehydration, and antibiotics are administered (Brown, 2015). Over the counter cough medications are not recommended and may actually be detrimental (Whooping cough, 2014).

The prognosis for pertussis is good for most teens and adults, although they may suffer side effects caused by the coughing. These side effects include - bruised or cracked ribs, abdominal hernias, and broken blood vessels on the skin on in the whites of the eyes (Brown, 2015). The coughing spells may also lead to a lowering of blood oxygen levels to the brain (Cherry, 2014).

In infants, especially those under the age of six (6) months, the prognosis is not as good. Babies may develop pneumonia or suffer the following - dehydration, weight loss, seizures, brain damage and even death (Brown, 2015). All of these possible issues are why most babies are hospitalized upon diagnosis.

As this paper shows, it is easy to see why it is important to follow an immunization schedule and to get booster shots at the recommended times. One must also keep in mind that even though immunization controls the disease, it does not control the prevalence of the bacteria in the population (Whooping cough, 2014). Data indicates that it does not matter if the bacteria is controlled by immunization, or if the bacteria is present due to an epidemic occurrence, there will be an endemic occurrence of whooping cough in the adults of that population. They in turn become responsible for the cyclic infection that occurs in unvaccinated children (Whooping cough, 2014) with an epidemic occurring every two (2) to five (5) years. This data is relevant to countries that do not immunize, the cycle still occurs in other countries but at longer intervals (Whooping cough, 2014).

In conclusion, this paper may make the reader feel that conquering this disease is a losing battle, it is not. Education about immunization and the enforcement of adhering to a vaccination schedule will one day completely eradicate whooping cough.

Word Citation Brown, J. (2015, June 30). 10 essential facts about whooping cough. Everyday Health Medic.

Cherry, J. (2014). Historical review of pertussis and the classical vaccine. Oxford Journal. Retrieved November 11, 2015, from http://ljid.oxfordjournals.org/

Clinic, M. (Ed.). (2014, March 1). Whooping cough. Retrieved November 8, 2015, from http://www.mayoclinic/diseases/conditions/whoopingcough/basics/definition/con20023295mayoclinic.org.whoopingcoughinformation/children/tc/whoopingcough

Whooping cough. (2014, September 9). Retrieved November 15, 2015, from http:://www.webmd.com/children/tc/whooping-cough