Question

In which stage of pertussis is the characteristic whooping sound made? a. convalescence b. catarrhal c. paroxysmal d. prodromal

Short answer

The characteristic whooping sound is made during the paroxysmal stage of pertussis.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Pertussis Stages

Recognize that pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a respiratory infection characterized by a severe hacking cough followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like 'whoop'. It progresses through several stages.

Identifying the Stage with the Whooping Sound

The characteristic whooping sound is made during the paroxysmal stage of pertussis. This is when the most severe coughing spells occur.

Confirming the Correct Answer

By understanding the symptoms associated with each stage of pertussis, confirm that the whooping sound is not characteristic of the convalescence, catarrhal, or prodromal stages. Thus, the correct answer is the paroxysmal stage.

Key concepts

Whooping Cough

Whooping cough, medically referred to as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory system. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.

Initially, symptoms resemble those of a common cold, including a mild cough, runny nose, and low-grade fever. However, as the disease progresses, it moves into more serious stages. It is especially dangerous for infants and young children, and vaccination is the best preventive measure.

While the infection progresses through several stages, it is during the paroxysmal stage that the classic and eponymous 'whoop' sound is heard following a severe coughing fit. This sound is the result of a person gasping for air and is not seen in the other stages of the disease.

Paroxysmal Stage

The paroxysmal stage is the most symptomatic phase of whooping cough. After the initial onset of cold-like symptoms, this stage typifies with severe and rapid coughing spells that end with a high-pitched 'whoop' sound upon the rapid intake of breath. The paroxysms, or coughing fits, can be debilitating and are often followed by vomiting and exhaustion due to the effort of coughing.

Treating the Paroxysmal Stage

Treatment during this stage is symptomatic, as antibiotics are more effective at preventing the spread of the infection rather than halting the symptoms. Adequate rest, hydration, and nutrition are crucial. In addition, avoiding irritants that can trigger coughing fits is important. This stage may last for 1 to 6 weeks or even longer, and people are contagious during this stage.

Respiratory Infection

Whooping cough is classified as a respiratory infection because it directly affects the lungs and airways. Respiratory infections are caused by various microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and they can range from mild to life-threatening.

Significance of Respiratory Infections

They significantly impact public health due to their ability to spread rapidly among individuals, particularly in settings like schools and workplaces. To manage and prevent respiratory infections, good hygiene practices, vaccines, and appropriate medical treatment are key components.

In the case of whooping cough, the Bordetella pertussis bacterium attaches to the cilia in the upper respiratory system, releasing toxins that inflame the airways, leading to the characteristic symptoms of the disease.