Adults affected by whooping cough may experience a variety of symptoms, from mild to severe, such as a persistent cough, thick mucus, and facial redness.
Whooping cough, often associated with childhoodhas a surprisingly high incidence in adults. Recent studies in France and Germany revealed a significant increase in cases in older adults, which highlights the need to consider it as a public health problem at all ages.
Diagnosing whooping cough in adults can be challenging due to the variability of symptoms. In Catalonia, an alarming increase in cases of whooping cough has been observed in recent times, mainly in children.
The first quarter of 2024 recorded a notable increase compared to the previous yearwhich generates concern among health authorities and the general population.
Whooping cough in adults: an underestimated reality
whooping cough, caused by bacteria Bordetella pertussisis a bacterial infection that affects the lungs and airways. Its contagion is highly effective and in certain situations it can trigger severe complications.
Therefore, it is important that babies and children receive the vaccine appropriate to protect against this disease. Although whooping cough is commonly associated with childhood. However, its impact on adults is significant and often underestimated.
Recent studies have revealed a surprisingly high incidence in adults. For example, research conducted in France between June 2013 and August 2014 found that a significant number of patients over 50 years of ages were diagnosed with whooping cough. Similarly, in Germany, whooping cough was diagnosed in 5.6% of cases in adults over 18 years of age.
These findings challenge the common notion that pertussis is an exclusive childhood disease and highlight the importance ofand consider it as a public health problem at all ages.
Clinical presentation and symptoms
Whooping cough in adults can manifest itself in a variety of ways, from mild symptoms to severe symptoms that include pneumonia and respiratory failure. Typical symptoms include:
- Persistent cough: A cough that lasts more than two weeks is one of the main signs of whooping cough in adults.
- Paroxysmal cough: Characterized by attacks of intense and prolonged cough that may worsen at night.
- Inspiratory Stridor: A high-pitched sound when inhaling, which may be indicative of airway obstruction.
- Emetic Cough: A cough so violent that it can cause vomiting.
- Thick mucus: Production of thick mucus is common and can contribute to feelings of tightness in the chest.
- Facial redness: Some adults experience facial flushing during coughing spells, although this symptom is more common in children.
It is essential to recognize these symptoms and seek appropriate medical attention for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosing whooping cough in adults can be challenging due to the variability of symptoms and the possibility of atypical presentations. Laboratory tests are often required, such as PCR or culture, to confirm the diagnosis. However, these tests may lose their usefulness if there is a delay in medical consultation, which can lead to late diagnosis and spread of the disease.
Treatment of whooping cough in adultss usually involves the use of antibiotics to reduce the severity and duration of the disease. Additionally, supportive measures, such as rest, adequate hydration, and medications may be recommended to relieve symptoms.
Vaccination: key prevention
Vaccination is an effective tool in the prevention of whooping cough. Although the introduction of the vaccine has led to a significant reduction in incidence, in recent years there has been a global resurgence of the disease.
It is essential to promote vaccination in adults, especially in risk groups such as pregnant women and health workers. Booster doses are recommended every 10 years to maintain protection.
The increase in whooping cough in Catalonia
In Catalonia, cases of whooping cough have experienced an alarming increase in recent times. According to data provided by Salut, The first quarter of this year has seen a notable increase, with around 7,230 infections, compared to the 566 registered throughout the previous year. A figure that, without a doubt, worries health authorities and the population in general.
An unexpected resurgence
After years of improvements Thanks to vaccination campaigns in children, whooping cough had almost disappeared from the scene. However, at the end of 2023, this respiratory disease returned with force, especially impacting regions such as Catalonia, where cases continue to increase.
The Department of Health of the Generalitat of Catalonia has confirmed that the number of whooping cough infections hhas increased drastically in a short period of time. In one month, cases have tripled, going from 2,284 in February to 7,230 as of March 27, 2024. A situation that requires immediate attention and effective preventive measures.
Age distribution
Whooping cough outbreaks have spread primarily in school and family settings.
- The most affected are children, especially those between 10 and 14 years old, followed by groups from 5 to 9 years and from 15 to 49 years. This demographic distribution highlights the importance of vaccination at all ages to contain the spread of the disease.
Challenges in prevention
Although Vaccination rates in Catalonia are relatively high, especially in one-year-old children, there is a significant decrease in vaccine coverage at 6 years of age. This challenge in prevention highlights the need to promote awareness about the importance of vaccinationn at all stages of life and reinforce infectious disease control measures.
Given this worrying scenario, It is important that health authorities intensify efforts to prevent and control whooping cough in Catalonia. This includes promoting vaccination, especially in higher risk groups, as well as implementing hygiene and social distancing measures to reduce the spread of the virus.
Only through a coordinated and effective response can we effectively meet this challenge and protect the health of the community.
In summary, whooping cough in adults It is a public health problem that deserves broader attention and better understanding. It is essential to educate the population about the risks and symptoms of the disease, as well as promote vaccination in adults to prevent its spread.
With a comprehensive approach that includes preventive measures, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, we can effectively address the challenge of whooping cough in adults and reduce its impact on public health.
If the article has been useful to you, share it on your social networks and leave us a comment with your opinion.
