Diseases

Wooping Cough

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Medical definition of whooping cough. : an infectious disease especially of children caused by a bacterium of the genus bordetella (b. pertussis) and marked by a convulsive spasmodic cough sometimes followed by a crowing intake of breath—called also pertussis.

SYMPTOMS

Runny nose
Nasal congestion
Red, watery eyes
Fever
Cough
Provoke vomiting
Result in a red or blue face
Cause extreme fatigue
End with a high-pitched "whoop" sound during the next breath of air

CAUSES

Whooping cough is caused by an infection with a bacterium known as bordetella pertussis. The bacteria attach to the lining of the airways in the upper respiratory system and release toxins that lead to inflammation and swelling.