{"id":2786,"date":"2018-09-27T21:43:58","date_gmt":"2018-09-27T21:43:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/besthealth.guide\/?p=2786"},"modified":"2021-10-13T02:09:59","modified_gmt":"2021-10-13T02:09:59","slug":"9-flu-like-whooping-cough-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/9-flu-like-whooping-cough-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Flu-Like Whooping Cough Symptoms"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Do you have a persistent cough and irritation in your upper-respiratory tract? These symptoms typically announce an infection of the influenza virus. Medication and rest will have you feeling better in a few days. However, if symptoms continue after 72-hours, it may be a sign of whooping cough infection.<\/p>\n

Bordetella pertussis is the highly infectious bacteria responsible for the development of this condition. It damages the tiny hairs in your airways known as cilia. These hairs remove particulate debris from the air as you breathe. As a result, you develop a dry cough.<\/p>\n

Infected individuals are contagious for seven days after exposure to the bacteria, and three weeks after manifesting coughing symptoms. During this stage, the bacteria spread to others via contact with body fluids.<\/p>\n

Children are most at risk of contracting the virus. However, adults account for up to 25-percent of cases. Adults may misinterpret the symptoms of whooping cough infection with influenza. If you experience any of these flu-like symptoms listed below, consult your physician.<\/p>\n

1. A Runny Nose<\/h3>\n

The first signs of whooping cough manifest on the second day after contracting the bacteria<\/a>. Cells in your nose emit biochemicals to defend against infection, resulting in frequent sneezing. As the bacteria spread, the sinus produces a watery mucus to flush the bacteria.<\/p>\n

In the following few days, the mucus thickens and turns to a yellow-green color, blocking the nasal cavities. The increase in sinus pressure creates pain behind the eyes and the forehead. Children are more sensitive to this pain than adults. It\u2019s at this stage that their parents will take them to the doctors where they receive a diagnosis of the condition.<\/p>\n

Adults will typically brush off these symptoms as a sign of the flu, allowing the bacteria to colonize. The sinus starts to produce catarrh, a mixture of white blood cells and mucus, resulting in post-nasal drip. Catarrh congestion in the throat and chest produce a phlegmy cough and slight wheezing.<\/p>\n

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2. Low Fever<\/h3>\n

As the bacteria spread throughout the sinus and respiratory tract, your body will turn up the heat to fight off the infection. Exogenous pyrogens from the bacteria elevate the production of endogenous pyrogens. These pyrogens, known as Interleukin-1 (IL-1,) affect the sinus and airways. The hypothalamus<\/a> responds by raising the body\u2019s temperature set-point. This increase results in a fever.<\/p>\n

Once again, most adults don\u2019t see this as anything more than the onset of a bout of flu. You\u2019ve most likely dealt with managing symptoms of the flu before. Therefore, you\u2019re more likely to self-medicate than visit the doctor\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

There is a conflicting medical opinion on whether to treat a fever or let it run its course. An increase in body temperature is a means of fighting an infection. Therefore, attempts to reduce it may assist with the spread of the bacteria. However, medical consensus suggests that reducing the fever is the best route to follow. Infected individuals may treat it with aspirin. This strategy reduces the symptoms but furthers the spread of the bacteria in the respiratory system.<\/p>\n

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3. Chills<\/h3>\n

People that suffer from viral infections like the flu will eventually receive a low to moderate fever<\/a>. As the condition progresses and intensifies, chills may accompany the increase in body temperature. As discussed, the hypothalamus gland controls the release of pyrogens associated with creating fever symptoms.<\/p>\n

If left untreated, the bacterial infection progresses into the paroxysmal stage of the disease. During this stage, the hypothalamus will step-up the production of pyrogens. It does so in an attempt to kill off the bacteria. This elevation in pyrogens results in a higher fever. Many infected individuals also associate this with a bout of the flu.<\/p>\n

Along with this increase in body temperature come sudden chills. These chills can wrap the entire body. You may be lying warm in bed, and experience chills. The hypothalamus increases the body-temperature set-point. Your body notices the lag and sends chills over your skin and through the muscular system.<\/p>\n

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4. A Progressive Cough<\/h3>\n

We cough to clear the airways of debris, mucus<\/a>, and particulate matter. However, coughing takes on a new dimension under respiratory distress.<\/p>\n

As the Bordetella pertussis bacteria spreads, post-nasal drip intensifies. We begin to experience an irritating tickle in the back of the throat. This tickle progresses into a dry cough, inflaming the airways. As inflammation spreads, the dry cough will advance into hacking. During the hacking, you may expel mucus in sputum.<\/p>\n

This period is known as the paroxysmal stage of whooping cough infection. The period lasts from one to 10-weeks. As the infection and cough progress, infected individuals experience intense, uncontrollable, bouts of coughing. Coughing attacks are common at night. Most individuals will experience an average of 15-attacks over 24-hours.<\/p>\n

The \u201cwhoop,\u201d occurs as the individual gasps for air after a coughing attack. At this stage, adults will likely visit their doctor. Untreated, the condition will progress to convalescence. This stage may last for months.<\/p>\n

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5. Apnea<\/h3>\n

Apnea<\/a> describes a sleeping disorder where the body halts breathing for an extended period. This period can be up to a few minutes long. Apnea occurs during sleep when the body exhales and fails to inhale for a few minutes. The lungs will suddenly gasp for air, resulting in a snoring sound.<\/p>\n

Apnea typically occurs in overweight individuals as a disorder known as OSA (obstructive sleep apnea.) However, individuals suffering from Bordetella pertussis infection may experience OSA as well. Exact causes for the condition remain unknown. However, experts think that it\u2019s a reflex to prevent coughing fits.<\/p>\n

OSA is common in infants suffering from whooping cough infection. Infant sleep apnea presents a danger to their health. The condition escalates in intensity during REM sleep. Infants that stop breathing for extended periods develop hypoxemia. This condition prevents optimal oxygenation of the blood resulting in brain damage. Infants may also develop bradycardia; a slow heartbeat, and require resuscitation.<\/p>\n

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6. Body Ache<\/h3>\n

Colds and flu are viral infections creating systemic inflammation in the body. Bordetella pertussis bacteria act in the same manner, increasing systemic inflammation.<\/p>\n

During a viral or bacterial infection, the immune system responds to the emergency. It signals white blood cells to attack the source of the disease and kill invading cells. White blood cells leave their post in the skeletal and muscular system, and the entire body begins to ache. It\u2019s common for people suffering from a bout of flu to feel this pulsing ache. Treatment involves anti-inflammatories and painkillers<\/a> to contain and neutralize the sensation.<\/p>\n

During whooping cough infection, the body will also suffer from lower oxygen levels in the blood. This loss occurs, as a result of extended bouts of coughing. A lack of oxygen leads to dysfunctional red blood cells and tissue. In turn, this creates body ache. Coughing attacks at night will interrupt sleep. The interruption affects the body\u2019s recovery from stress. Losing sleep results in fatigue, another source of body ache.<\/p>\n

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7. Swollen Lymph Nodes<\/h3>\n

Swollen lymph nodes<\/a> are a sign that something is wrong in your body. These glands play a critical role in fighting off bacterial and viral infection. The lymph nodes trap bacteria and viruses preventing their spread throughout the body.<\/p>\n

Lymph nodes are clusters of cells covered with connective tissue. These cells are combinations of macrophages and lymphocytes. Lymphocytes capture and collect the bacteria or virus.<\/p>\n

Macrophages filter and break them down. When lymph nodes swell, they are tender and sensitive to touch. You may notice swollen nodes about the size of a kidney bean or pea on the surface of your skin.<\/p>\n

When you visit a doctor\u2019s office for a checkup, they will check your face for swollen glands around your neck and under your chin. You may also notice swollen lymph nodes in your groin and under your armpits. Swelling of these glands due to infectious disease is known as lymphadenitis.<\/p>\n

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8. Headaches<\/h3>\n

A headache is another frequently encountered flu-like symptom. The bacterial infection affects the sinus<\/a>. It clogs up the nasal cavity creating pressure behind the face. As the bacteria spread, the hypothalamus signals for the release of cytokine molecules to fight the infection. These molecules can induce a headache and migraine.<\/p>\n

Viral infections like the flu will clear after 5-days to a week. However, bacterial infections do not clear without antibiotic treatment. A sign that you have a bacterial infection is the change in the color of mucus. You will notice a shift from clear to yellow or green in appearance. The high viscosity of the mucus thickens nasal discharge and sputum.<\/p>\n

Headaches come in differing intensity and frequency. A tension or muscular contraction headache affects up to 75-percent of infected individuals. You will notice an ache or throbbing on both sides of the head. To relieve the condition, avoid strong light sources \u2013 draw the curtains and stay hydrated.<\/p>\n

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9. Vomiting After Coughing<\/h3>\n

During the paroxysmal stage, infected individuals will experience a higher intensity in coughing symptoms. This increase is accompanied by more phlegm in the sputum. A coughing fit may produce a gagging reflex. As the body gasps for air between coughs, you choke on mucus. Your stomach recoils, and you vomit up phlegm from your esophagus.<\/p>\n

This phlegm is clear-colored during the first few days to a week. It progresses to a yellow color, and finally a green or greenish-brown during the paroxysmal stage. In some cases, coughing fits are very intense, and the stomach vomits during the reflux portion of the gag. You may vomit up fluids or liquids ingested during your last meal.<\/p>\n

Extensive coughing fits inflame the airways and esophagus<\/a> making them raw. As a result of a damaged esophagus, you may experience some blood in the sputum, along with the phlegm. It may take on a reddish or reddish-brown appearance.<\/p>\n\r\n

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