What is a common complication of Pertussis?

What is a common complication of Pertussis?

• A. Nausea and vomiting during cough fits
• B. Shortness of breath
• C. Severe chest pain
• D. Frequent headaches

Answer: (A)

Pertussis, often known as whooping cough, is characterized by severe coughing fits that can lead to various complications. One common complication associated with these coughing episodes is the occurrence of nausea and vomiting. This happens during intense coughing, as the forceful contractions of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles can create significant pressure in the abdomen, leading to the regurgitation of stomach contents, which manifests as nausea and vomiting. Other potential complications of pertussis can include shortness of breath and excessive fatigue, but these are typically secondary to the severe coughing episodes, rather than a primary complication. Severe chest pain is not commonly associated with pertussis. Frequent headaches can be present due to overall illness or stress from coughing; however, they are not a distinguishing complication of the disease itself. The primary focus must be on the direct physiological impact that the frequent and intense coughing has on the body, which is why nausea and vomiting are highlighted as a common complication of pertussis.

Pertussis, often known as whooping cough, is characterized by severe coughing fits that can lead to various complications. One common complication associated with these coughing episodes is the occurrence of nausea and vomiting. This happens during intense coughing, as the forceful contractions of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles can create significant pressure in the abdomen, leading to the regurgitation of stomach contents, which manifests as nausea and vomiting.

Other potential complications of pertussis can include shortness of breath and excessive fatigue, but these are typically secondary to the severe coughing episodes, rather than a primary complication. Severe chest pain is not commonly associated with pertussis. Frequent headaches can be present due to overall illness or stress from coughing; however, they are not a distinguishing complication of the disease itself. The primary focus must be on the direct physiological impact that the frequent and intense coughing has on the body, which is why nausea and vomiting are highlighted as a common complication of pertussis.