What Is Whooping Cough?
Reviewed: Dr. Mera
9. Complications
Unfortunately, pertussis is not completely safe, and potentially severe complications will sometimes occur as a result of the disease. One example of these complications is pneumonia, which can happen because the lungs become more susceptible to infection by other pathogens.
In some cases, longer-term lung problems such as bronchiectasis can also occur. Additionally, excessive coughing can cause hernias and the rupture of blood vessels in the respiratory tract (i.e. nose bleeds, coughing up blood). Other more severe complications include seizures, cerebral hemorrhage, and hypoxic encephalopathy.
Advertisement
