Write 120 words in response to another student’s reply:
One of the many respiratory system diseases one can acquire is Pertussis or the whooping cough. It is caused by a bacteria called Bordetella pertussis that attaches on to the cilia that lines the upper respiratory tract which damages it causing it to swell. Pertussis is highly contagious and can be transmitted through coughing and/or sneezing – droplet precautions are enforced when someone has this disease. It usually starts off with cold-like symptoms and maybe even a fever. This is why it is so easy to transfer the disease to another person because most respiratory disease all start with simple cold-like symptoms and is usually diagnosed later when the actual whooping episodes start. This disease can cause the person to cough rapidly and violently over and over again, emptying the lungs out of air which then causes the person to inhale forcefully causing that whooping sound that we hear. These coughing episodes can take a toll on a person, causing them to tire easily and even vomit. It is also important to note that with babies, coughing may not even happen and can just cause them to stop breathing. This disease is particularly dangerous in young children as well. To diagnosed this disease, physicians usually conduct a physical exam, health history of signs and symptoms, mucus sample and possibly even a blood sample to rule out other diseases. Through this mucus sample, physicians can help determine what bacteria might be causing the disease and confirm the diagnosis. Antibiotics are then prescribed and the patient should strictly follow the recommended antibiotic regimen and dosage the physician prescribed. Vaporizers can also be recommended to help soften mucus, and plenty of fluids to help combat dehydration with small meals throughout the day to help replenish nutrients lost with vomiting. For extreme cases, suctioning may be needed to help drain secretions out of the lungs, as well as oxygen therapy and IV fluid therapy. The great thing here is that there is actually a vaccine to help prevent this disease – the DTaP (for young children) and Tdap (preteens and adults) vaccines. These vaccines are highly recommended especially with young children and older adults. Standard precautions especially with hygiene is also highly recommended to help decrease the transmission of this disease.
CDC.gov. (2017, August 7). Pertussis – Whooping Cough. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/about/causes-transmission.html