When you think of whooping cough, you may think of young children getting sick. While whooping cough is much more deadly among children compared to adults, it is still possible for adults to contract whooping cough. Whooping cough can cause severe illness, even for healthy adults, and it is very contagious. Keep reading to learn more about what causes whooping cough in adults and the treatment options for whooping cough. If you’re experiencing symptoms of whooping cough or think you may have been exposed to it, AFC Urgent Care Stoneham is available 7 days a week to provide patients near Stoneham, MA with rapid care. Our clinic is equipped to provide diagnosis and treatment for whooping cough. Walk-in today.
How Whooping Cough Spreads
1. Catching It in Public:
It spreads through aerosols produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. This makes it very easy to proliferate in crowded areas and shared spaces, making them breeding grounds for the infection.
2. Skipping Good Hygiene:
Whether a child or adult, failure to maintain simple cleanliness can increase your chances of contracting whooping cough. For instance, if someone in the house is infected, not washing your face and limbs, particularly after contact with them, will provide an excellent environment for bacterial growth.
3. Weak/Declining Immunity:
Children who are ten years and below are mostly more prone since their immune systems are still maturing. But then there are also some adults with compromised immunity, so it becomes easier for the infection to take hold of them. The compromised immunity need not always have to be because the individual is immunocompromised, but because of stress and lifestyle.
4. Outdated Vaccinations:
Over time, vaccine protection can fade. Adults who haven’t had a booster shot in a while might be more vulnerable to newer strains of the bacteria.
Symptoms of Whooping Cough
Whooping cough is characterized by
- Runny nose
- Stuffy nose
- Post-nasal drip
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Strained breathing
- Coughing fits
- High-pitched ‘whoop’ sound in between coughs
- Pain in the chest
- Oddly colored sputum
- Chest congestion
Treatment For Whooping Cough In Adults.
Whooping cough is caused by a bacterial infection. Because of this, it requires medical treatment. It is important to seek medical care as soon as you identify any symptoms of whooping cough to ensure a smooth recovery. Delaying care can cause your symptoms to become severe. Here are some tips for a speedy recovery from whooping cough:
1. Antibiotics.
Whooping cough, no matter its form, is caused by a bacterium, and if you want to stop the spread of any bacterial infection, you have to use antibiotics. Sure they might not be capable of stopping the coughing fits or the strained breathing, but they will at least limit the spread and allow the body to recover quickly.
2. Hydrate With Warm or Hot Drinks
Drinking hot fluids when you have whooping cough not only helps hydrate you and boost immunity, it also helps clear the throat and nose of mucus causing obstruction. These fluids would be even more effective if they were rich in lemon and ginger.
3. Avoid Cough Triggers
Certain substances and situations are known as cough triggers due to being able to stimulate cough reflexes. Some of these are smoke, dust, mold, and toxic fumes.
4. Eat Small But Frequently
Whooping cough is known to trigger vomiting. To alleviate this, try eating bland food in small servings.
Complications Caused By Whooping Cough In Adults
Whooping cough is a serious illness that requires treatment by a medical professional. It is important to seek medical care if you think you’re experiencing symptoms of whooping cough to avoid developing any potential complications. Although whooping cough is most severe for young children, adults can still experience complications such as:
- Trouble breathing
- Pneumonia
- Lingering cough
- Bruised ribs
- Back pain
Visit AFC Urgent Care Stoneham for Same-Day Cough Treatment
If you’re feeling sick and in need of convenient illness diagnosis and treatment, AFC Urgent Care Stoneham can help. Our walk-in urgent care clinic offers same-day cough diagnosis and treatment for patients near Stoneham, MA. Our medical providers are board-certified and trained to expertly care for illnesses, including whooping cough. Our clinic is equipped with an on-site laboratory for rapid diagnosis, and we never require you to schedule an appointment to receive prompt care. Simply walk-in, we’re open 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm!
