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Respiratory sequelae and lung function after whooping cough in infancy
I Krantz1, J Bjure, I Claesson
1Department of Infectious Diseases, East Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
Insights
Whooping cough in infancy does not appear to cause later obstructive respiratory disease in children. A cohort study found no significant lung function differences between children with and without a history of the illness.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Whooping cough (pertussis) is a significant childhood illness.
- Concerns exist regarding potential long-term respiratory consequences.
- Previous research on post-pertussis lung function is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects of infant whooping cough on lung function in children.
- To determine if a history of pertussis is associated with later obstructive airway disease.
Main Methods:
- Community-based cohort study comparing 31 children with infant whooping cough to 32 matched controls.
- Assessed lung function via spirometry before and after bronchodilator (salbutamol) and exercise challenges.
- Evaluated family history, atopy, smoking, and respiratory infection history.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in lung function parameters were observed between the whooping cough and control groups.
- No impairment of small airways was detected in children with a history of pertussis.
- Background factors, including family history of obstructive airway disease and atopy, were similar between groups.
Conclusions:
- The study does not support the hypothesis that whooping cough in itself is a causal factor for later obstructive respiratory disease.
- Infant pertussis infection does not appear to lead to measurable long-term lung function deficits or small airway impairment.
Abstract:
The lung function of 31 children, aged 6-13 years, who had whooping cough as infants and 32 control children matched for age, sex, and residence area were compared in a community based cohort study. Family history of obstructive airway disease, smoking habits in the family, atopy, and other background factors examined were similar in the two groups. The ratios of recalled repeated acute respiratory infections did not differ among the groups. Children in the control group were slightly more involved in physical activities. History of obstructive airway disease, findings on chest radiography, and distribution of immunoglobulin concentrations, including IgE, did not differ significantly. Lung function before and after exercise and after inhalation of salbutamol were not different. No impairment of small airways was detected. Our data do not support the hypothesis that whooping cough in itself is a causal factor for later obstructive respiratory disease.