Which disease is known as whooping cough?

• A. Anaphylaxis
• B. Pertussis
• C. COPD
• D. Dementia

Answer: (B)

Whooping cough is caused by Bordetella pertussis and is characterized by long, intense coughing spells that can end with a sharp inhalation that produces a whoop sound, especially in children. It’s a highly contagious respiratory infection spread through droplets and is preventable with vaccination (DTaP for children, Tdap booster for adults). Early treatment with macrolide antibiotics can reduce transmission and may lessen symptoms if started soon after onset. Complications are more common in young infants and can include apnea, pneumonia, or seizures. The other options don’t describe this illness: anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction, COPD is a chronic lung disease with a different pattern of symptoms, and dementia refers to progressive cognitive decline.