Whooping Cough (Pertussis): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a bacterial infection that causes intense coughing fits. It spreads easily through coughs and sneezes. Early symptoms resemble a cold, but severe coughing develops later, sometimes with a 'whoop' sound when breathing in. Antibiotics and supportive care help treat it. Vaccination is the best protection.
In plain words
Whooping cough is a serious lung infection caused by bacteria. It spreads easily when someone coughs or sneezes. At first, it seems like a cold with a runny nose and mild cough. After 1-2 weeks, bad coughing fits start. These can make it hard to breathe and may end with a 'whooping' sound when inhaling. Babies are most at risk. Doctors treat it with antibiotics. Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent it.
What is Whooping Cough (Pertussis): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment?
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a bacterial infection that causes intense coughing fits. It spreads easily through coughs and sneezes. Early symptoms resemble a cold, but severe coughing develops later, sometimes with a 'whoop' sound when breathing in. Antibiotics and supportive care help treat it. Vaccination is the best protection.
Symptoms
Early symptoms
- Runny nose: One of the first signs, often mistaken for a common cold. The nasal discharge is usually clear early in the infection. (1) (3)
- Mild cough: Starts as an occasional dry cough that gradually worsens over about 1-2 weeks before severe coughing fits begin. (1) (3)
- Low-grade fever: A slightly elevated temperature may occur during the initial stage, though fever isn't always present. (5) (3)
- Sneezing: Frequent sneezing along with other cold-like symptoms in the early phase of illness. (3)
Serious or emergency symptoms
- Violent coughing fits: Intense bouts of rapid coughs followed by a high-pitched 'whoop' sound when trying to inhale. Infants may not make the whooping sound. Contact a doctor immediately if you notice this pattern, especially in children. (1) (3)
- Vomiting after coughing: Severe coughing spells can trigger vomiting, which can lead to dehydration if frequent. Ensure hydration and seek medical care for persistent vomiting. (1) (3)
- Breathing pauses (apnea) in infants: Babies may stop breathing for short periods during coughing attacks. Their face may turn red or purple. This is a medical emergency - call emergency services immediately. (3)
Causes
Primary causes
Risk factors
Unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated individuals
People who haven't received all recommended pertussis vaccine doses have much higher risk of infection. (7) (6)
Infants under one year old
Babies too young to complete vaccination are most vulnerable to severe whooping cough and complications. (7)
Pregnant women
Pregnancy increases risk of exposure and potential transmission to newborns. (7)
Diagnosis
Doctors diagnose whooping cough by reviewing symptoms and performing tests like nasal swabs to detect the bacteria. Blood tests may check for antibodies, and chest X-rays can rule out pneumonia. Diagnosis is most accurate in the first few weeks of illness when bacteria are still present.
Nasopharyngeal swab
A swab collects mucus from the back of the nose to test for Bordetella pertussis bacteria. (2) (4)
PCR test
Polymerase chain reaction testing detects the bacteria's genetic material in respiratory secretions. (2)
Blood tests
Can show elevated white blood cell count and check for antibodies against the bacteria. (2)
Treatment
Medication options
Macrolide antibiotics
These antibiotics help kill the bacteria and reduce spread to others when started early. (2) (4)
Alternative antibiotics (for those allergic to macrolides)
Used when macrolide antibiotics aren't tolerated, though not suitable for pregnant women. (2)
Lifestyle and self-care
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration from coughing and vomiting. (5)
- Use a humidifier: Cool mist humidifiers can help soothe irritated airways and loosen mucus. (5)
- Hand hygiene: Frequent handwashing with soap and water helps prevent spreading the infection to others. (7)
Always discuss dosing and treatment changes with your own prescriber.
Possible complications
- Pneumonia: The most common complication in infants and children, which can become life-threatening. (8) (6)
- Seizures: Occur in some severe cases due to lack of oxygen during prolonged coughing spells. (8)
- Rib fractures: Severe coughing can sometimes crack ribs, particularly in older adults with weaker bones. (8)
When to see a doctor
Routine follow-up
- See a doctor if you develop cold symptoms plus a worsening cough that lasts more than a week, especially if you've been exposed to whooping cough. (6)
Seek emergency care
- Get emergency care for any infant who has pauses in breathing, turns blue, or seems exhausted from coughing. (8)
Frequently asked questions
What is whooping cough?
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a serious bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes. It causes violent coughing fits followed by a 'whooping' sound when breathing in. The infection is especially dangerous for babies. (1) (5)
What are the first signs of whooping cough?
Early symptoms resemble a common cold - runny nose, mild cough, sneezing, and sometimes a slight fever. These symptoms last 1-2 weeks before progressing to severe coughing fits. (1) (3)
What causes whooping cough?
The bacterium Bordetella pertussis causes whooping cough. It spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing bacteria-containing droplets that others inhale. (1) (6)
References
- CDC — About Pertussis (Whooping Cough) source 1
- CDC — Pertussis Treatment and Prevention source 2
- NHS — Whooping Cough - Symptoms source 3
- NHS — Whooping Cough - Treatment source 4
- MedlinePlus — Whooping Cough source 5
- WHO — Pertussis (Whooping Cough) source 6
- CDC — Pertussis Prevention source 7
- CDC — Pertussis Complications source 8