What affect does pertussis have on the respiratory system?

Pertussis, or whooping cough, primarily affects the respiratory system by causing severe inflammation of the airways. This leads to intense coughing fits that can make it difficult to breathe, often resulting in a characteristic "whoop" sound during inhalation. The infection can also cause complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and in severe cases, respiratory failure, particularly in infants and young children. Overall, pertussis disrupts normal respiratory function and can lead to serious health issues if not treated appropriately.