Pertussis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Pertussis is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs. It is also called whooping cough. With pertussis, air passages get plugged with thick sputum (spit) to cause coughing spells. Anyone can have pertussis but it is more serious in babies and young children. It may be treated with antibiotic medicine during the early part of the illness.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

• Medicines:
  
  
  • Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
    
    
  • Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.
  
  
• Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.
  
  
• Your cough could last 10 weeks or longer. Coughing helps keep sputum (spit) from clogging the lungs.
  
  
• Fill a cool mist humidifier with cool water and put it in your bedroom by your bed. Using the humidifier will help loosen the sputum in your throat. Ask caregivers for more information about how to safely use a humidifier.
  
  
• Drink small amounts of liquids every hour when you are awake, even if your throat hurts.
  
  
• Eat at least six small meals every day. Eating small meals may keep you from vomiting after a coughing spell. To calm the stomach, wait a short while to eat after a coughing spell.
  
  
• Do not smoke or be around anyone who smokes. Your breathing and coughing may get worse if you are near smoke.
  
  
• Stay away from wood burning stoves or fireplaces. Smoke from these may also cause coughing spells.
  
  
• Rest as much as possible until you begin to feel better.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You are not drinking liquids.
  
  
• Your cough is getting worse.
  
  
• You are vomiting (throwing up) and cannot keep anything down.
  
  
• You are not sleeping or resting because of the cough.
  
  
• You have the following signs and symptoms of dehydration:
  
  
  • Dizziness.
    
    
  • Dry or cracked lips, dry mouth or tongue, sleepiness, and wrinkled skin.
    
    
  • Urinating less.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Call 911 or 0 (operator) if you have trouble breathing.
  
  

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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