Definition
Pertussis is an acute, epidemic and extremely contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory tract: we are talking about a rather serious disease, which must not be underestimated, given that it can be potentially lethal (especially in newborns).
Causes
It is no coincidence that pertussis bears this name: the gram negative bacterium responsible for the infection is Bordetella Pertussis, transmitted exclusively by interhuman via micro-particles of saliva emitted into the air with a cough, with a sneeze or simply speaking.
Symptoms
- Incubation period (5-15 days): asymptomatic but very high degree of infectivity
- Catarrhal period: typical flu symptoms (phlegm, weakness, low-grade fever, rhinorrhea, shrill cough, vomiting). Possible hypoxia and sleep apnea in affected newborns
- Accessory / paroxysmal period (2-4 weeks): worsening of tussive crises
- Convalescence (1-4 weeks)
Complications: asphyxia, bronchopneumonia, convulsions, pulmonary hemorrhages, encephalitis, pneumonia, death (rare)
Information on Pertussis - Drugs for the Treatment of Pertussis is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Pertosse - Pertussis Treatment Medicines.
drugs
The pharmacological treatment of pertussis consists in taking antibiotics, indicated, in particular, during the catarrhal phase; sometimes, it is possible to take cortisone for inflammation, and sedatives for the nervous system to treat cough. As we will see later, there is a vaccine for pertussis, although the guarantee of immunity from the responsible bacterium is not always absolute.
The following are the classes of drugs most used in pertussis therapy, and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the most suitable active ingredient and posology for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the health of the patient and his response to treatment:
Antibiotics : the administration of the antibiotic is recommended during the catarrhal phase: when taken in the next (accessory) phase, the drug can only help to contain the spread of the bacterium.
- Clarithromycin (eg Biaxin, Macladin, Klacid, Soriclar, Veclam): for children with pertussis from 1 to 5 months of age, the recommended dose is 15 mg / kg per day, divided into 2 doses to be taken every 12 hours for 7 days. If the child is 6 months or older, give the same dose without exceeding the gram per day.
- Erythromycin (eg Erythrocin, Erythro L, Lauromycin): we recommend oral administration of 40-50 mg of drug per day, divided into 4 daily doses (every 6 hours) for 14 days. Do not exceed 2 g per day. Do not use before a month of the baby's life.
Anti-inflammatories / painkillers : in case of joint pain and / or fever, it is recommended to take NSAIDs such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or acetylsalicylic acid.
- PARACETAMOL or acetaminophen (eg tachypirine): the administration of this drug is useful for lowering fever, a typical symptom that usually accompanies pertussis. Paracetamol is administered at a dosage of 325-650 mg per day every 4-6 hours; alternatively, take 1 gram every 6-8 hours. The dosage depends on the patient's condition, age and weight. The drug can also be taken intravenously: 1 gram every 6 hours or 650 mg every 4 hours for adults and adolescents weighing more than 50 kilos: if the patient weighs less than 50 kilos, give 15 mg / kg every 6 hours or 12.5 mg / kg every 4 hours.
- Ibuprofen (eg. Brufen, Moment, Pedea, Subitene): take on the palate 200 to 400 mg of active ingredient (tablets, effervescent sachets) every 4-6 hours, as needed. In some cases, the analgesic can also be taken intravenously at a dose of 400-800 mg every 6 hours, as needed.
- Acetylsalicylic acid (eg aspirin, Vivin, Ac Acet, Carin): it is recommended to take a drug dose of 325-650 mg per day, orally or rectally every 4 hours, as needed. Do not exceed 4 g per day. Do not administer to children under the age of 12: the dose is reserved for adults only.
Cortisonics : useful for treating inflammation
- Cortisone (eg. CORTONE) available in 25 mg tablets. The dosage and duration of treatment should be established by the attending physician.
Sedatives of the nervous system against pertussis :
- Dextromethorphan (eg. Aricodiltosse, Bisolvon Tosse, Ozopulmin) is generally administered in the form of syrups or tablets, at a dosage of 15-60 mg 2-3 times a day. Do not exceed 120 mg per day. At a dose of 200-300 mg per day the drug creates visual hallucinations and possible alteration of the heart rhythm.
- Codeine (eg. Codein, Hederix Plan) take the drug orally at a dose of 15 mg every 6 hours, as needed. Do not exceed 120 mg per day.
Pertussis vaccination
The introduction of the vaccine, in addition to guaranteeing a marked reduction in the risk of contracting pertussis, was a major step forward for science, given that vaccination greatly contributes to breaking down the complications of the disease.
The pertussis vaccine is generally available as a combined preparation (eg Infanrix Hexa useful for the prophylaxis of pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B and diphtheria) and should be administered in 2-3 doses, spaced from one another by at least 30- 60 days. It should usually be injected deep within the first 6 months of the child's life.
What changes since 2017
With the decree-law on vaccination prevention for minors from zero to 16 years, approved on 07/28/2017 , vaccination against pertussis has become mandatory .
This specific vaccination can be carried out with a single injection together with five other vaccination covers (the so-called hexavalent vaccination, which includes vaccines: anti-poliomyelitis, anti-diphtheria, anti-tetanus, anti-hepatitis B, anti-pertussis, anti - Haemophilus Influenzae type b).
- The obligation of vaccination against pertussis is in force, in the context of the 10 mandatory vaccinations, for people born from 2017. Even those born after 2001 are subject to the obligation of vaccination against pertussis .
- Immunized subjects due to the natural disease are exempt from the vaccination requirement, therefore children who have already had pertussis should not be vaccinated against this disease
Please note that compulsory vaccinations are a requirement for admission to nursery schools and kindergartens (for children from 0 to 6 years) and that the violation of the vaccination requirement implies the application of significant financial penalties .
For more information on mandatory vaccines in children, see this article.
