ما هو الشاهوق؟

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ما هو الشاهوق؟

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a⁤ highly‍ contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory tract caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria [[1]]. ⁤It primarily affects infants and young children [[3]], and can cause severe illness [[2]].

How is Pertussis Spread?

Pertussis is spread through⁤ respiratory ​droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes ⁢ [[2]]. Close contact⁢ with an infected individual significantly increases the⁢ risk of infection.

Symptoms of Pertussis

The⁢ symptoms of pertussis typically appear 7-10 days after exposure to​ the ‍bacteria [[1]] and⁣ can include:



* Runny nose

* Low-grade fever

* Mild cough



As the infection progresses, the cough becomes more severe and can be characterized by the⁢ following [[3]]:



* Violent coughing fits

* Difficulty breathing

* A ⁤distinctive “whooping” sound during⁢ inhalation

Complications of Pertussis

Pertussis can⁣ lead‍ to various complications, especially​ in infants and young children ⁢ [[1]]:



* Pneumonia

* Encephalitis (brain⁣ inflammation)

* Seizures

* Death

Diagnosis of Pertussis

Diagnosing pertussis can be challenging, as the symptoms may resemble other respiratory infections. Doctors typically‌ rely on a combination of factors,⁤ including:



* Medical history

* Physical examination

* Laboratory⁢ tests (e.g., nasopharyngeal ​swab‍ culture)

Treatment of Pertussis

Antibiotics are the primary treatment for pertussis⁢ [[1]]. Treatment should begin as soon⁢ as possible to reduce ‍the severity ⁤and duration‌ of the infection.​ In ‌severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

Prevention of Pertussis

Vaccination⁣ is ⁣the⁤ most effective way to ​prevent pertussis ‍ [[1]]. The pertussis‌ vaccine is typically given as part of the routine childhood immunization schedule.



Other preventive measures⁢ include:



* Avoiding contact with infected‍ individuals

* Practicing good respiratory⁤ hygiene (e.g., coughing or sneezing into ​a tissue)

* Frequent handwashing



Pertussis ‌is ⁣a serious respiratory infection that can be life-threatening, particularly in infants and ⁢young children. Vaccination is the​ most effective way to protect against this infection. If ​you suspect that you or your child may have pertussis, it is crucial ‍to seek prompt medical⁢ attention.