Question

Megan learned from the poster that there were three main stages of whooping cough. Place the following in order of how they would occur during progression of the infection.

1. Catarrhal stage
2. Paroxysmal stage
3. Convalescent stage

Answer 1

The three stages of whooping cough in order are the catarrhal stage, characterized by common cold-like symptoms; followed by the paroxysmal stage, with severe coughing fits; and lastly, the convalescent stage, where the cough becomes chronic.

Step-by-step explanation:

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. This disease can be divided into three main stages, which occur in the following order during the progression of the infection:

1. Catarrhal stage: This is the initial stage of the infection, where the signs and symptoms may include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and a low-grade fever. During this stage, the bacteria are most infectious.
2. Paroxysmal stage: This is the most serious stage, characterized by severe and prolonged coughing spells and a whooping sound made when air is inhaled through the inflamed airway after a coughing fit. Mucus accumulation in the lungs highly contributes to these symptoms.
3. Convalescent stage: This is the final stage, marked by a chronic cough that can last for several months. It follows the paroxysmal stage and is sometimes referred to as the '100-day cough' due to its duration.