pertussis – מילון אנגלי-אנגלי
pertussis
n.
(Pathology) whooping cough, acute infectious disease that attacks the respiratory system (usually affects young children)
Pertussis
Pertussis, also known as
whooping cough or
100-day cough, is a highly contagious
bacterial disease. Initially, symptoms are usually similar to those of the
common cold with a runny nose,
fever, and mild
cough. This is then followed by weeks of severe coughing fits. Following a fit of coughing, a high-pitched whoop sound or gasp may occur as the person breathes in. The coughing may last for 10 or more weeks, hence the phrase "100-day cough". A person may cough so hard that they vomit,
break ribs, or become
very tired from the effort. Children less than one year old may have little or no cough and instead have
periods where they do not breathe. The period of time between infection and the onset of symptoms is usually seven to ten days. Disease may occur in those who have been vaccinated, but symptoms are typically milder.
pertussis
Noun
1. a disease of the respiratory mucous membrane
(synonym) whooping cough
(hypernym) infectious disease
Pertussis
(n.)
The whooping cough.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), edited by Noah Porter.
About
Pertussis
This is whooping cough's medical name, It is the "P" in DPT vaccine. Immunity from DPT wears off, so many teen-agers and adults get pertussis, first as coughing spasms and then a stubborn dry cough lasting up to 6-8 weeks. Due to a bacteria (Bordetella pertussis). Therapy is supportive and many young infants need hospitalization if the coughing becomes severe. Immunization with DPT (diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus) vaccine provides protection. With pertussis, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure (or, if you are metrically inclined, a gram of prevention is worth a kilo of cure). Have your child immunized!