Whooping cough causes awakenings during sleep and can last for months: what is known about the disease

Often confused with a flu or cold symptom. Whooping cough is a respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It compromises the respiratory system and is transmitted through saliva produced by coughing or contact with contaminated objects.

Over the past four months, the General Directorate of Health has recorded at least 200 cases of whooping cough, which contrasts with the 22 reported in 2023. There is also an overall increase in cases across Europe. According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), if last year more than 25 thousand cases of whooping cough were detected, then this year about 32 thousand were registered only from January to March.

Sometimes cough symptoms last for several months, which can interfere with daily life. ABOUT CM asked António Bugalho, pulmonologist from the CUF Descobertas and CUF Tejo hospitals and researcher from the Nova de Lisboa University, about the impact of this disease.

What are the symptoms?

Although whooping cough causes no symptoms in some people, it is characterized by three phases: the catarrhal phase, the paroxysmal phase, and the convalescent phase.

According to António Bugalho, in the catarrhal phase, which occurs in the first two weeks, the most common symptoms are malaise, a slight cough, runny nose, red eyes and sometimes low-grade fever.

In the coming weeks we are entering a phase paroxysmal, which involves a severe cough that comes in fits and may even lead to dizziness or vomiting, such is its intensity. “This phase is longer and can last two to three months,” explains the specialist.

At the stage During the recovery period, coughing attacks gradually decrease until the patient fully recovers.

What is the treatment?

“Everyone should remain vigilant and consult a healthcare professional when symptoms are prolonged or disabling, or when whooping cough is suspected, to prevent spreading the infection to others, especially children and more vulnerable adults. During infection, normal breathing takes less time. pass,” the doctor emphasizes.

Although there is a treatment, the researcher explains that prescribed antibiotics generally do not change the course of the disease. They are mainly used to reduce the risk of transmission of infection.

Are syrups good allies?

Syrups that are often used to treat coughs are ineffective for whooping cough.. Some patients may be advised to use cough suppressants, but only after a medical examination and consultation, explains a pulmonologist.

Can the disease cause other complications?

Children under one year of age and young people aged 10 to 19 years are the groups with the highest incidence of whooping cough. In Europe, the majority of deaths from whooping cough occurred in infants between 2023 and 2024. Adults with respiratory diseases, smokers and older people are also at risk.

According to António Bugalho, the consequences of whooping cough are more common. in infants and children, and adults with asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease. Complications of the disease can be caused by infection, such as ear infections and pneumonia, as well as a severe cough. Sometimes this leads to worsening of the condition or the appearance of hernias, urinary incontinence, rib fractures and muscle pain. Other complications associated with the disease include absenteeism from school and work, frequent awakenings during sleep, and increased anxiety.

What is causing the increase in incidence?

Reduced vaccinations and weakened immunity across Europe due to the Covid-19 pandemic are two hypotheses that could explain the rise in cases. However, dLarger epidemics typically occur every three to five years, even with high vaccination coverage, according to the ECDC.

The most important preventive measure, according to the DGS, is vaccination. The national vaccination program includes the administration of five doses of the vaccine. Acellular pertussiswhich is carried out at two, four, six and 18 months, as well as at five years.