Parapertussis is a disease that affects the lungs. Parapertussis is similar to pertussis (whooping cough), but is less severe. Holmesii is a relatively new bacteria. It is similar to parapertussis and pertussis, but it is less common.
Beware: there are other diseases that can mimic pertussis:
Adenoviruses, parainfluenza and influenza viruses, enteroviruses, and respiratory syncytial virus can cause a predominantly cough illness.
Diagnosing whooping cough in its early stages can be difficult because the signs and symptoms resemble those of other common respiratory illnesses, such as a cold, the flu or bronchitis.
Parents have good reason for concern. Colds and pertussis begin with similar symptoms, so it's hard to tell the difference at first. But whooping cough is a highly contagious disease that gets worse after a few weeks, while common colds improve. People develop uncontrollable coughing fits that make it hard to breathe.
Croup normally lasts three to five days and responds well to at-home treatments such as cool-mist vaporizers and fever reducers. Whooping cough is the result of a bacterial infection that attacks the lungs and breathing tubes.
Children with RSV typically have two to four days of upper respiratory tract symptoms, such as fever and runny nose/congestion. These are then followed by lower respiratory tract symptoms, like increasing wheezing cough that sounds wet and forceful with increased work breathing.
Epiglottitis, a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection, often masquerades as the more common and less severe viral illness croup.
RSV, or Respiratory syncytial virus, and croup are not the same things, but they are related. 6 to 8% of croup cases are caused by RSV. RSV symptoms may include nasal drainage, congestion, wheezing, labored breathing, fever and dehydration.
A bronchitis cough sounds like a rattle with a wheezing or whistling sound. As your condition progresses, you will first have a dry cough that can then progress towards coughing up white mucus.
The first symptoms of whooping cough are similar to those of a cold, such as a runny nose, red and watery eyes, a sore throat, and a slightly raised temperature. Intense coughing bouts start about a week later. The bouts usually last a few minutes at a time and tend to be more common at night.
PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test.
A PCR test checks your fluid sample for genetic material from the whooping cough bacteria. Results may be ready in as soon as two hours.
Determining who has pertussis can be difficult. Whenever possible, clinicians should obtain an NP swab or aspirate from all persons with suspected pertussis. A properly obtained NP swab or aspirate is essential for optimal diagnostic results. The same specimen can be used both for culture and PCR.
Introduction: An increase in cases of pertussis, mainly in young infants, has been reported in the last few years. The clinical presentation of this disease is very similar to that produced by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which makes the diagnosis difficult.
A paroxysmal cough is violent and uncontrolled coughing that is exhausting and painful. You may struggle to breathe and may even vomit. Pertussis or whooping cough is the most common cause of a paroxysmal cough.
Diphtheria is a very contagious infection that makes it difficult to breathe. In severe cases, it can cause heart and nerve damage. Pertussis, or whooping cough, is an extremely contagious respiratory infection that can lead to severe breathing problems, especially in infants.
Normally these symptoms will clear up on their own in a few days. A barking or wheezing cough can be one of the first signs of a more serious illness. In these instances, the virus has spread to the lower respiratory tract, causing inflammation of the small airways entering the lungs.
seems sick, shows signs of RSV and is less than 6 months of age or at high risk. has thick mucus from the nose or mouth that is yellow, green or gray.
Croup usually begins like a normal cold, e.g. fever, runny nose and cough. Your child's cough will change to become harsh and barking, and might sound like a seal. Your child's voice may be hoarse. When your child breathes in, they may make a squeaky, high pitched noise, which is called stridor.
What does a pneumonia cough sound like? This will depend on the type of pneumonia you have and be either a dry or chesty cough. Bacterial pneumonia is more serious and often results in a gurgling sound when breathing and mucus or phlegm when coughing.
The child may also have a hoarse cough and a very congested rattling in the chest, which often worsens during the night.
Children at greatest risk for severe illness from RSV include the following: Premature infants. Infants up to 12 months, especially those 6 months and younger. Children younger than 2 years with chronic lung disease or congenital (present from birth) heart disease.