Definition

Whooping cough is a highly contagious disease caused by bacteria. The disease is also known as pertussis (pronounced pur-TUSS-iss). The most prominent symptom of whooping cough is a distinctive, uncontrollable cough, followed by a sharp, high-pitched intake of air. This intake of air causes the characteristic "whoop" for which the disease is named.

Description

Whooping cough is caused by a bacterium called Bortadella pertussis. When inhaled, the bacterium attaches itself to cilia in the respiratory (breathing) tract. Cilia are tiny, hair-like projections on cells that beat back and forth constantly. This motion helps clear the respiratory system of bacteria, viruses, dead cells, and other material.

Bortadella pertussis interferes with the motion of cilia. The materials normally cleared away by cilia become lodged in the respiratory system and the cough that results is the body's way of attempting to rid the respiratory system of these materials...