15661 Whooping Cough Pertussis

Overview

Whooping cough is a very contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways. It gets its name from the 'whoop' sound some people make when they gasp for air after a coughing fit. It can affect people of all ages, but it is most dangerous for babies and young children. Thanks to vaccines, it is much less common than it used to be, but outbreaks still happen.

Whooping cough is less common in countries with high vaccination rates, but it still occurs. Outbreaks can happen in schools, communities, or places where many unvaccinated people are together. It is more common in infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated.

It can affect anyone at any age. Babies and young children are at the highest risk of severe illness. Older children and adults can also catch it, and they often get a milder illness but can still spread it to others.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Runny nose and sneezing
• Mild cough or fever at first
• Coughing fits that are worse at night
• A 'whoop' sound when breathing in after coughing
• Vomiting after coughing fits
• Feeling very tired after coughing

Symptoms in children

• Coughing fits that can go on for 30 to 60 seconds
• Turning red, purple, or blue during a coughing fit
• Gasping for air with a 'whoop' sound
• Vomiting after coughing
• Pauses in breathing (especially in babies under 6 months)

Symptoms in older adults

• Ongoing cough that may last for several weeks
• Coughing fits that are less intense but still disruptive
• Feeling tired or having trouble sleeping from the cough
• Unusual sweating or a feeling of choking

Causes

Main causes

• Infection with a bacterium called Bordetella pertussis
• Spreading through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes
• Touching surfaces that have the bacteria on them and then touching your nose or mouth

Risk factors

• Being too young to be fully vaccinated (especially babies under 6 months)
• Not having been vaccinated or being behind on vaccines
• Living with or having close contact with someone who has whooping cough
• Weakened immune system due to another health condition
• Being pregnant, as whooping cough can be passed to a newborn

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• A baby under 6 months may have been exposed to whooping cough — even without symptoms, contact your doctor urgently
• Coughing fits are followed by vomiting or the person cannot keep fluids down
• The person shows signs of pneumonia, such as fast breathing, chest pain, or a high fever

Book a routine appointment if:

• You or your child has a cough that lasts more than a week without improvement
• You have been exposed to someone with whooping cough and are in the same household
• You suspect whooping cough because of typical coughing fits or a 'whoop' sound

Diagnosis

A doctor can usually suspect whooping cough from your symptoms and a physical examination. They may ask about contact with someone who has the illness and whether you have been vaccinated. To confirm the diagnosis, they may take a sample of mucus from the back of your nose to test for the bacteria.

Tests that may be done

• Nasal swab: a soft cotton swab is inserted into the nose to collect a sample of mucus
• Blood tests: to check for signs of infection or a previous immune response
• Chest X-ray: if there are concerns about pneumonia or other lung complications

What to expect at your appointment

If you or your child has whooping cough, the doctor will explain how to manage symptoms and what to watch out for. They may recommend staying home to avoid spreading the infection. In some cases, especially with infants, a stay in hospital may be needed for monitoring, oxygen, or fluids. Most people recover without long-term problems.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on easing symptoms, preventing complications, and stopping the spread of the infection. Antibiotics may help if started very early, but once the coughing fits are well established, they may not change the course of the illness. In hospital, supportive care such as oxygen, suctioning, or fluids is available for severe cases.

Self-care at home

• Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated by drinking small amounts often
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than large ones
• Avoid things that trigger coughing, such as smoke, dust, or strong smells
• Use a cool-mist humidifier or sit in a steamy bathroom to loosen mucus
• Protect others by covering your mouth, washing hands often, and staying away from work, school, or childcare until told it is safe

Medical treatments

A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to reduce the risk of passing the infection to others, especially if given early. They may also discuss supportive medicines to help with coughing or breathing, but no specific over-the-counter products are recommended for whooping cough. Always follow your healthcare provider's plan and ask for clarification if you need it.

Living with this condition

Whooping cough can feel exhausting, especially at night when coughing fits interfere with sleep. Try to rest during the day, and keep a glass of water by your bed. For a baby, keep their head elevated slightly during sleep, and make sure they are positioned safely for breathing. Follow your doctor's advice about when it is safe to be around others.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid smoking and being around secondhand smoke
• Wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing
• Stay away from crowded places until you are no longer contagious
• Keep up to date with vaccination for yourself and your family to protect others

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet that is easy to take in during coughing fits, such as soups, smoothies, and soft foods. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, but sip slowly. It is best to avoid intense exercise until the coughing fits have settled, but gentle activity like short walks can help you feel better.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with a chronic cough for weeks can be stressful, frustrating, and isolating. It is normal to feel tired, anxious, or worried, especially if your child is ill. Talk to your doctor if you feel overwhelmed, and consider reaching out to friends, family, or a local support group for words of encouragement.

Prevention

Yes, whooping cough is largely preventable through vaccination. Staying up to date with the whooping cough vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others. It is especially important for pregnant women to be vaccinated during each pregnancy, as this passes protection to the newborn baby.

Vaccines

The whooping cough vaccine is usually given in combination with other vaccines, often called DTaP or Tdap. Babies receive it as part of their routine childhood schedule. Older children and adults can also get a booster dose. Speak to your doctor or local health service about the recommended vaccine schedule for you and your family.

Complications

If left untreated

• Pneumonia (a lung infection)
• Apnea (pauses in breathing) in babies, which can be life-threatening
• Seizures
• Brain damage due to lack of oxygen
• Weight loss or dehydration from vomiting after coughing fits

Long-term outlook

With the right care, most people with whooping cough recover fully. Babies who need hospital care usually get better within a few weeks to months. The cough may last a while, but it gradually improves. Staying calm, following medical advice, and giving the body time to heal are the most important steps to a good recovery.

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