What is a 100 Day Cough?

A 100 day cough is more commonly known as whooping cough, or pertussis. It is a very contagious infection of the respiratory tract caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It got its nickname because it can last for months. This illness is most commonly characterized by moderate to severe coughing spells, followed by a whooping sound after. Before the introduction of the pertussis vaccine in the 1940s, thousands of people died every year from this condition.

The early symptoms of a 100 day cough are quite similar to those of a common cold. During the first week or two, there is typically a runny nose, low grade fever, and mild cough. After this time, the cough generally worsens, and the patient will usually begin to have violent coughing spells, which often produce a thick mucus. These coughing spells are then generally followed by a whooping sound when the patient inhales. These spells can last up to a minute for some people, and it is not uncommon for lips and nails to turn blue from lack of oxygen.

Infants and young children may have slightly different symptoms. For instance, some may not cough or whoop at all. They may gasp for air, and could possible stop breathing during a particularly bad spell.

The recovery period for a 100 day cough is rather slow. It can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. During this time, coughing spells gradually become less severe and farther apart.

To diagnose a 100 day cough, doctors must first check a patient's medical history and do a thorough physical exam. After that, mucus from the nose and throat is often gathered and sent to a laboratory where it is cultured for the B. pertussis bacteria. Blood tests and chest X-rays may also be necessary.

A two week regimen of antibiotics is often the recommended course of treatment for this illness. Many physicians agree that the best time to administer this medication is during the early stages, well before the violent coughing spells begin, which can shorten the duration of the illness. Starting antibiotics during the later stages of this illness, however, should not be overlooked, as it is believed to stop the disease from spreading.

Infants and young children suffering from a 100 day cough often need to be hospitalized, as they are at a greater risk of developing a more serious illness, such as pneumonia. During the hospital stay, the thick mucus produced by the respiratory system is often suctioned. Breathing is usually monitored, and oxygen may be given, if there are serious breathing complications.

Most physicians will agree that the best prevention for a 100 day cough is the pertussis vaccine. In the United States, this vaccine is usually combined with diphtheria and tetanus vaccines. It is referred to as the DTaP vaccine, and is given in a series of five shots, generally at two months, four months, six months, 15 to 18 month, and before entering school, around four to six years old.