Best Whooping Cough Doctors in Hyderabad

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection that brings on severe bouts of coughing. It is caused by a bacteria called Bordetella pertussis and can lead to significant complications such as pneumonia, seizures and in rare cases even death. Although it can affect individuals of any age, it is particularly dangerous and potentially life-threatening for infants. Being unvaccinated or under-vaccinated for pertussis makes one more susceptible to this disease.

In the culturally rich city of Hyderabad, whooping cough cases are documented annually. While the city's health infrastructure services and vaccination programmes have made strides in managing this contagion, whooping cough is still present due to factors such as incomplete vaccination. Fortunately, Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad extends the services of some of the best doctors for the treatment of whooping cough. These specialists who treat Bordetella pertussis infection are well-versed in handling cases of whooping cough.

Types/Stages of Whooping Cough

Whooping cough is categorised by expert pulmonologists into the following stages:

• Catarrhal Stage: This initial stage, which lasts for one or two weeks, resembles the symptoms of the common cold.

• Paroxysmal Stage: This phase which lasts for 1–6 weeks is characterised by severe and rapid coughing fits followed by a 'whoop' sound during inhalation.

• Convalescent Stage: Coughing fits decrease in this stage but may recur with subsequent respiratory infections.

Symptoms of Whooping Cough

Symptoms of whooping cough generally develop within 5–10 days after exposure to the bacteria, but can sometimes take up to three weeks to appear. They include:

• Mild fever

• Runny nose

• Nasal congestion

• Red, watery eyes

• Severe and rapid coughing fits followed by a high-pitched 'whoop' sound, upon inhalation

Tests to Diagnose Whooping Cough

To confirm a diagnosis of whooping cough, the following tests are often recommended by a specialist for the treatment of Bordetella pertussis infection.

• Physical Examination: The doctor for pertussis treatment checks for classic symptoms of the disease.

• Blood Tests: Blood samples are tested for evidence of infection.

• Nasopharyngeal culture: A sample is collected from the back of the nose or throat to detect the presence of pertussis bacteria.

• Chest X-ray: An X-ray might be suggested to rule out pneumonia or other complications.

Treatment/Surgery Options for Whooping Cough at Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad

At Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad, effective treatment strategies are utilised by doctors for the treatment of whooping cough to manage the condition. They include:

• Antibiotics: To control the infection and prevent the spread of whooping cough.

• Hospitalisation: Severe cases of whooping cough, particularly in infants, may require hospitalisation for close monitoring and supportive care.

• Vaccination: Providing pertussis vaccination is key towards preventing the spread of the disease.

• Oxygen Therapy: For patients struggling with breathing, oxygen therapy can help.

• Fluids and Nutrition: It is essential to ensure adequate hydration and nutrition, especially for infants who might struggle to eat due to bouts of coughing.