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Whooping
cough outbreak
Over
the past few weeks there have been an increased number of whooping cough
cases reported in the state, particularly in the southwest. Almost 400
cases of whooping cough in children and adults have been diagnosed in WA
already this year - double the usual yearly numbers. Thankfully, this
dreadful illness isnít seen too much these days because most children
have their vaccinations early in life and are protected from it.
What
is ìwhooping coughî?
Whooping
cough is a highly contagious infection, which can make children sick for
months. Following high fevers they then develop the classic ìwhoopî
which once heard is unmistakable.
The
incubation period is 6-20 days but usually less than 14 days. A patient is
infectious just prior to and, if untreated, for up to 21 days after the
coughís onset. The cough often causes them to vomit and the kids lose
weight. Also very noticeable is the extreme lethargy they experience.
Both
children and adults can contract whooping cough and Iíve know patients
living in two storey houses who are so weak they havenít got the energy
to go upstairs to their bedrooms for weeks on end.
Diagnosis
This
is often made on the classic cough, but where there is some doubt, nasal
secretions can be sent for testing for a pretty reliable diagnosis in the
first 3 weeks of infection. Alternatively, blood tests can also be used:
but both forms of testing are sometimes subject to false negative
findings.
Prevention:
immunisation
Obviously
the best thing is not to get it in the first place, and this means making
sure your children complete their primary vaccinations in early childhood.
If
the infection does get into the family, then because it is so contagious,
it is probable that all family members will contract the disease, and
treatment needs to be aimed at everyone in the household.
Antibiotics
will have little effect on how the disease progresses but can reduce the
severity and risk of transmission to others if they are commenced within
21 days of the coughís onset. The current recommended treatment is a
10-day course of the antibiotic: erythromycin. A person who has been
coughing for more than 21 days is no longer infectious, therefore
antibiotic treatment and school exclusion are not needed.
The
important thing is not to allow this debilitating infection to get a
foothold in our communities. Protect your family by ensuring everyone has
been vaccinated against whooping cough.
Readersí
questions
Recently
our doctor told my husband that he has ìfructoseî intolerance, and he
is to eat just two fruits a day. We
are trying to do this (but he is a fruit lover, as is our 3 year-old son).
We are concerned that our children may develop the same intolerance, and
there is a family history of diabetes.
Regards,
Stephanie
Doctorís
answer:
In
fructose-intolerant people, digestion of fructose (fruit sugar) and table
sugar (sucrose) is difficult because the person lacks the necessary enzyme
to process these sugars.
Eating
fruit or other sugary foods will irritate the stomach and result in
bloating, diarrhoea and stomach pains. Many foods also contain man-made
fructose such as cordials, drinks, yoghurts, snack bars and baby foods -
and these may also have to be avoided.
Fructose
intolerance is a genetic disease and may be as common as 1 in 20,000. It
can range from mild to severe. It
is a hereditary disease, so there is a risk your children may suffer the
same intolerance and a couple of tests will confirm the diagnosis. See
your GP for a referral to a gastroenterologist.
If
your husband is still OK eating some fruit he may have a mild form of the
disease. Thoses who have a true enzyme deficiency will be affected from
childhood, and these people should avoid all fruit for life as the
consequences are severe, not only for the gut but for other major organs
too.
There
appears to be no link between diabetes and the risk of fructose
intolerance. However, if you are diabetic and on a low sugar diet - keep
fructose consumption low as it is a form of sugar.
Most importantly, your husband should outline his concerns to your
family doctor.
Guardianís
Hot Tip
How
common are allergies?
Up
to 35% of Australian children will be affected by allergies at some time
during their life. It is believed that allergies are more common now than in
previous generations.
The
symptoms of allergies vary widely from child to child and may depend on
the kind of allergen, severity of exposure, and what part of the body is
affected. Common symptoms
include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, wheezy breathing, cough, stuffy nose,
sore throat, itchy skin and watery eyes.
It
is important to identify the substances that trigger an allergy, and to
try to avoid them.
If
your child suffers a severe allergic response, seek urgent medical
attention.
Talk
to your Guardian pharmacist about identifying and avoiding allergens, and
how to relieve particular symptoms. For
your nearest Guardian Pharmacy call 1300 888 666 or visit www.guardianpharmacies.com.au
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