May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Coughs Pertussis Infection in Adults
Pertussis Infection in Adults |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: I was told by my Dr. (with labs done) I have Pertussis. I have been coughing for over 12 weeks and losing sleep. The cough hurts and I have pain in my rib and back area, I am coughing up green phlem and the coughing spells last anywhere from 45sec. to 10min at a time Is this normal and how long will this cough really last? Dear Heather: Pertusis infections occur in three stages through the course of the disease progression and recovery. The first stage of pertusis is known as the catarrhal stage, which typically lasts from one to two weeks, producing symptoms like runny nose, low grade feve and mild occasional cough. The cough gradually becomes more severe during the second stage (the paroxysmal stage) that usually lasts from one to six weeks but may persist for up to 10 weeks. The third stage is the recovery or convalescent stage. Recovery occurs gradually and the cough becomes less paroxysmal and usually disappears over two to three weeks. Thus it may take 12 to 15 weeks or may be more for the symptoms to clear completely. You should continue to drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated and try to avoid triggers for cough like smoke or fumes. You should eat small frequent meals to decrease the vomiting. Also use of a cool mist vaporizer may help loosen the secretions and soothe the cough. If you have’nt had the vaccine for pertusis, you may take the vaccination (Tdap) to prevent the future attacks of pertusis. Pertusis infections occur in three stages through the course of the disease progression and recovery. The first stage of pertusis is known as the catarrhal stage, which typically lasts from one to two weeks, producing symptoms like runny nose, low grade feve and mild occasional cough. The cough gradually becomes more severe during the second stage (the paroxysmal stage) that usually lasts from one to six weeks but may persist for up to 10 weeks. The third stage is the recovery or convalescent stage. Recovery occurs gradually and the cough becomes less paroxysmal and usually disappears over two to three weeks. Thus it may take 12 to 15 weeks or may be more for the symptoms to clear completely.
You should continue to drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated and try to avoid triggers for cough like smoke or fumes. You should eat small frequent meals to decrease the vomiting. Also use of a cool mist vaporizer may help loosen the secretions and soothe the cough. If you have’nt had the vaccine for pertusis, you may take the vaccination (Tdap) to prevent the future attacks of pertusis.
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 23 March 2011 ) |
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