Morbidity in whooping cough and measles

Article Abstract:

Standard immunization practices for children have been very effective in reducing and even eradicating diseases such as whooping cough and measles. When a child does develop either of these diseases, the impact on the family can be overwhelming. A questionnaire designed to examine the child's immunization status, parental awareness about the illness and vaccine, and the reasons for failing to participate in the immunization program was administered within six months of recovery to parents of 149 children who were either hospitalized or nursed at home. In addition, the emotional, social and financial impact of the illness on the family was rated. Ninety-nine cases in the hospital involved 72 and 27 percent whooping cough and measles, respectively, and of 50 cases treated at home, half were whooping cough and half were measles. Pertussis vaccine was given to only 6 of the 97 whooping cough cases, although 26 of the 52 measles cases received measles vaccine. Sixty-three percent of the parents had many questions concerning diseases and vaccines, and believed that they did not receive enough information about childhood vaccine programs. Common reasons for not accepting vaccination ranged from fear of side effects, family history of fits, disbelief in the value of immunization, or the perception that the child always had ''colds.'' The parents reported they experienced exhaustion and anxiety and that substantial time and money were lost with visiting, sleeping at the hospital and time missed at work, and thus everyday family life seemed to be troubled. A combination of professional commitment, publicity campaigns and parental involvement are needed to reach the successes of a 90 percent vaccination rate. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Prognosis, Measles, Whooping-cough, Whooping cough

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Enalapril-induced cough

Article Abstract:

Enalapril (Vasotec) is a drug used to treat high blood pressure. Although the drug was originally prescribed for patients who could not be treated successfully with other antihypertensive agents, it is now used as a starting treatment. One of the reported side effects of enalapril use is a persistent, dry cough. Although this incidence of enalapril-induced cough has been reported by the manufacturer to occur in only 1 percent of the users, it has been suggested that it may actually occur more often. Of the 209 patients taking enalapril, 22 (10.5 percent) of the patients had to stop taking the drug because of a persistent cough. The cough was more common in women (16 out of 109) than men (six out of 100). The cough disappeared after the drug was discontinued in 21 out of 22 patients. Of the patients continuing to take enalapril, some did have a cough; however, they did not find the cough severe enough to stop using the drug. The cough appears to be benign when it is the result of enalapril and not caused by a concurrent illness. Physicians should be aware of the incessant cough that may accompany enalapril drug therapy. If the cough persists two weeks after stopping enalapril, a diagnostic evaluation is indicated.

Causes of, Complications and side effects, Enalapril, Vasotec (Medication)

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Over-the-counter (OTC) cough remedies

Article Abstract:

Most over-the-counter cough remedies contain the cough suppressant dextromethorphan plus a decongestant and an antihistamine. Cough suppressants are usually effective for chronic cough, but the value of decongestants and antihistamines is less clear.

Drug therapy

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