Efficacy of salbutamol in treatment of infant pertussis demonstrated by sound spectrum analysis.

The value of sound spectrum analysis (sonography) as an indicator of the severity of symptomatic pertussis was assessed in four infants aged 3 weeks to 5 months. Coughing paroxysms and whooping could be clearly distinguished and measured on the sonogram. Sonography was then used to evaluate the effects of oral salbutamol on pertussis. The drug reduced the frequency and shortened the duration of the whoops; however, it did not have corresponding effect on the cough. Salbutamol seemed to relieve the laryngeal spasms and consequently eased the infant's breathing difficulties.