Best Whooping Cough Doctors in Delhi

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a contagious respiratory tract infection which is characterised by a severe hacking cough. The cough is followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like "whoop." The disease is caused by a bacterium known as Bordetella pertussis. It spreads through close contact with infected people, making its transmission easy within families and close-knit communities. If left untreated, whooping cough can lead to complications such as pneumonia or even death in severe cases, particularly in infants.

In the city of Delhi, whooping cough is not an uncommon condition. Fortunately, the residents of Delhi have access to the services of some of the country's best doctors for the treatment of whooping cough. The specialists treating Bordetella pertussis infection at Apollo Hospitals Delhi are well-versed in handling the condition and offer comprehensive care that is essential to manage this infection.

Types/Stages of Whooping Cough

Whooping cough progresses through the following stages:

• Catarrhal Stage: This initial stage which generally lasts for a week or two is characterised by mild cough and fever.

• Paroxysmal Stage: This stage which lasts for one to six weeks, is marked by severe bouts of coughing fits or paroxysms. The "whoop" sound occurs during this stage.

• Convalescent Stage: This final stage may last for weeks. The cough becomes less severe but might become worse if the individual contracts another respiratory infection.

Symptoms of Whooping Cough

The signs and symptoms of whooping cough manifest differently in various stages:

• In the catarrhal stage, symptoms include mild cough, low fever and runny nose.

• During the paroxysmal stage, severe bouts of coughing are observed followed by a high-pitched "whoop" sound during inhalation. Many people may turn blue from lack of oxygen.

• The convalescent phase witnesses a slow recovery with coughing fits gradually subsiding over the weeks.

Tests to Diagnose Whooping Cough

Several tests are employed by doctors for the treatment of whooping cough to detect the condition including:

• Nasopharyngeal Swab: Here, a swab from the area at the back of the nose is taken to test for the presence of Bordetella pertussis bacteria.

• Blood Tests: They are done to count white blood cells and to detect the presence of any infection.

• Chest X-rays: These are done to check for pneumonia or other complications that may occur due to whooping cough.

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): This test helps identify the DNA material of the pertussis bacteria.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Whooping Cough at Apollo Hospitals, Delhi

The doctors for whooping cough treatment at Apollo Hospitals Delhi provide a comprehensive range of treatment options to effectively manage the condition. These include:

• Antibiotics: The first line of treatment, antibiotics help kill the bacteria causing the disease.

• Hospitalisation: In severe cases, particularly with infants, hospitalisation may be required. During hospital stays, patients might need assistance with breathing and may also be given intravenous fluids.

• Vaccination: Vaccines like DTaP and Tdap reduce the risk of contracting the disease. Regular boosters are recommended for children and adults, especially those in contact with infants.

• Supportive Care: This includes adequate nutrition, hydration and rest to assist recovery from whooping cough.

  With Apollo's expert care and treatment options, overcoming whooping cough is possible.