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Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. It primarily affects the respiratory system and is highly contagious, spreading easily through airborne droplets when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. Although anyone can contract pertussis, it poses the greatest risk to infants, young children, and the elderly.
In its early stages, pertussis may resemble a common cold, with symptoms such as nasal congestion, a mild cough, and low-grade fever. However, the infection can quickly develop into intense bouts of coughing that are difficult to control. These symptoms can become debilitating if not managed promptly.
At Gleneagles Hospitals, we are dedicated to delivering comprehensive care for patients affected by pertussis. Our multidisciplinary team employs advanced diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments to minimise complications and promote recovery. Timely medical attention is crucial in controlling the infection and safeguarding respiratory health.
A defining feature of pertussis is the violent coughing fits, often followed by a distinctive "whooping" sound as the individual gasps for breath. These episodes can severely disrupt breathing and cause oxygen deprivation, leading to fatigue, dehydration, and sleep disturbances.
If not treated, the repeated coughing can result in hypoxia—an insufficient supply of oxygen in the bloodstream. Prolonged oxygen deprivation places undue stress on the respiratory system, potentially leading to lasting damage (Bhutta et al., 2024).
Gleneagles Hospitals underscores the importance of early diagnosis and intervention to reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent complications.
Although pertussis is manageable with antibiotics when identified early, some individuals may experience long-term respiratory issues. Persistent inflammation and strain on the lungs during infection can weaken lung tissue, resulting in chronic cough, reduced lung function, or susceptibility to secondary conditions such as bronchitis or asthma.
Our hospitals offer dedicated post-infection care programmes, including pulmonary rehabilitation services. These are designed to support patients in restoring optimal lung capacity and enhancing overall quality of life after recovery from pertussis.
The most effective defence against pertussis is vaccination. The DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis) vaccine is part of the National Immunisation Programme in Malaysia and is recommended for both children and adults. However, immunity can diminish over time, which is why booster doses are essential, especially for those who are in close contact with infants or individuals at higher risk.
Vaccination during pregnancy—particularly in the third trimester—is also highly recommended. It allows protective antibodies to be transferred from mother to baby, offering vital early protection to newborns.
Gleneagles Hospitals provides a full range of vaccination services, including DTaP and Tdap booster shots, helping families stay protected against pertussis and other preventable illnesses.
Yes. When administered early, antibiotics such as azithromycin or erythromycin can reduce the severity of symptoms and limit the transmission of the infection to others.
Pertussis may remain contagious for up to three weeks after coughing begins or for at least five days after starting antibiotic treatment. It is important to complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics and follow appropriate isolation protocols to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
Yes. Pertussis can result in secondary infections, such as pneumonia, particularly in young children or those with weakened immune systems. In severe cases, hospitalisation may be required. Our respiratory specialists closely monitor these complications and provide appropriate interventions to support recovery.
Although the vaccine significantly lowers the risk of infection, no vaccine offers complete immunity. Vaccinated individuals who do contract pertussis typically experience milder symptoms and are at lower risk of developing serious complications. Maintaining booster doses is essential to ensure continued protection.
Receiving the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy helps protect newborns by passing antibodies from mother to child. As babies are particularly vulnerable to severe outcomes from pertussis, this preventive measure is strongly recommended.
Pertussis is a serious respiratory illness that should not be overlooked. Symptoms such as persistent coughing, breathing difficulty, or the hallmark “whooping” sound require immediate medical evaluation. Early treatment at Gleneagles Hospitals can significantly improve outcomes and prevent further complications.
To safeguard your health or that of your loved ones, do not delay seeking medical advice. Book an appointment through our website or download the MyHealth360 application via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to easily manage your health.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. It primarily affects the respiratory system and is highly contagious, spreading easily through airborne droplets when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. Although anyone can contract pertussis, it poses the greatest risk to infants, young children, and the elderly.
In its early stages, pertussis may resemble a common cold, with symptoms such as nasal congestion, a mild cough, and low-grade fever. However, the infection can quickly develop into intense bouts of coughing that are difficult to control. These symptoms can become debilitating if not managed promptly.
At Gleneagles Hospitals, we are dedicated to delivering comprehensive care for patients affected by pertussis. Our multidisciplinary team employs advanced diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments to minimise complications and promote recovery. Timely medical attention is crucial in controlling the infection and safeguarding respiratory health.
A defining feature of pertussis is the violent coughing fits, often followed by a distinctive "whooping" sound as the individual gasps for breath. These episodes can severely disrupt breathing and cause oxygen deprivation, leading to fatigue, dehydration, and sleep disturbances.
If not treated, the repeated coughing can result in hypoxia—an insufficient supply of oxygen in the bloodstream. Prolonged oxygen deprivation places undue stress on the respiratory system, potentially leading to lasting damage (Bhutta et al., 2024).
Gleneagles Hospitals underscores the importance of early diagnosis and intervention to reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent complications.
Although pertussis is manageable with antibiotics when identified early, some individuals may experience long-term respiratory issues. Persistent inflammation and strain on the lungs during infection can weaken lung tissue, resulting in chronic cough, reduced lung function, or susceptibility to secondary conditions such as bronchitis or asthma.
Our hospitals offer dedicated post-infection care programmes, including pulmonary rehabilitation services. These are designed to support patients in restoring optimal lung capacity and enhancing overall quality of life after recovery from pertussis.
The most effective defence against pertussis is vaccination. The DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis) vaccine is part of the National Immunisation Programme in Malaysia and is recommended for both children and adults. However, immunity can diminish over time, which is why booster doses are essential, especially for those who are in close contact with infants or individuals at higher risk.
Vaccination during pregnancy—particularly in the third trimester—is also highly recommended. It allows protective antibodies to be transferred from mother to baby, offering vital early protection to newborns.
Gleneagles Hospitals provides a full range of vaccination services, including DTaP and Tdap booster shots, helping families stay protected against pertussis and other preventable illnesses.
Yes. When administered early, antibiotics such as azithromycin or erythromycin can reduce the severity of symptoms and limit the transmission of the infection to others.
Pertussis may remain contagious for up to three weeks after coughing begins or for at least five days after starting antibiotic treatment. It is important to complete the full course of prescribed antibiotics and follow appropriate isolation protocols to reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
Yes. Pertussis can result in secondary infections, such as pneumonia, particularly in young children or those with weakened immune systems. In severe cases, hospitalisation may be required. Our respiratory specialists closely monitor these complications and provide appropriate interventions to support recovery.
Although the vaccine significantly lowers the risk of infection, no vaccine offers complete immunity. Vaccinated individuals who do contract pertussis typically experience milder symptoms and are at lower risk of developing serious complications. Maintaining booster doses is essential to ensure continued protection.
Receiving the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy helps protect newborns by passing antibodies from mother to child. As babies are particularly vulnerable to severe outcomes from pertussis, this preventive measure is strongly recommended.
Pertussis is a serious respiratory illness that should not be overlooked. Symptoms such as persistent coughing, breathing difficulty, or the hallmark “whooping” sound require immediate medical evaluation. Early treatment at Gleneagles Hospitals can significantly improve outcomes and prevent further complications.
To safeguard your health or that of your loved ones, do not delay seeking medical advice. Book an appointment through our website or download the MyHealth360 application via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to easily manage your health.
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