Whooping cough in adults

Overview

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a bacterial infection of the lungs and airways. It causes long bouts of coughing that can make it hard to breathe and may end with a 'whoop' sound as you gasp for air.

Whooping cough is less common today because of routine vaccination, but outbreaks still happen, especially in groups where vaccination rates are low. Adults can get it, even if they were vaccinated as children.

Whooping cough can affect anyone. In adults, it often causes a prolonged, irritating cough that can last for weeks or months. It is especially dangerous for babies, but adults can still get very sick and pass it on to others.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A runny nose, sneezing, and a mild cough at first – like a common cold.
• After a week or two, the cough becomes severe and comes in sudden, uncontrollable fits.
• During a coughing fit, you may make a 'whoop' sound when you gasp for air, gasp, or vomit after coughing.
• You might feel tired, have chest pain, or find it hard to sleep because of the coughing.

Symptoms in children

• In children, the cough is often more severe, with red face, bulging eyes, and turning blue (cyanosis) due to lack of oxygen.
• Babies may not cough at all – instead they may stop breathing (apnea) and turn blue, which is a medical emergency.

Symptoms in older adults

• In older adults, the symptoms are similar to younger adults, but the cough can last longer and lead to more complications like rib fractures from coughing, fatigue, and sleep disruption.

Causes

Main causes

• Infection with bacteria called Bordetella pertussis.
• The bacteria spread through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes nearby.
• You catch it by inhaling the bacteria into your lungs.

Risk factors

• Not being up to date with whooping cough vaccination.
• Living with or caring for someone who has whooping cough.
• Having a weakened immune system due to another illness or treatment.
• Pregnancy (especially in the third trimester) – infection can be passed to the newborn.
• Being in close contact with babies or young children, who are at highest risk.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have trouble breathing, turn blue, or feel like you might faint after coughing.
• If you have a high fever (over 38°C) with a cough.
• If you cough up blood.
• If you have a condition that weakens your immune system and you develop a cough.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have a cough that lasts more than 2 weeks, especially if it comes in fits or ends with a whoop.
• If you are pregnant and have any cough that lasts more than a few days.
• If you are in close contact with a baby (pregnant or caring for one) and develop a new cough.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, listen to your lungs, and take a sample from the back of your nose or throat (using a swab) to test for the bacteria.

Tests that may be done

• Nasal or throat swab (PCR test) to detect the bacteria's genetic material.
• Blood test to look for antibodies (signs your body is fighting the infection).
• Chest X-ray if there are concerns about pneumonia or other lung problems.

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will send the sample to a lab, and results usually come back in a few days. They may also recommend a blood test. During the visit, they will explain the infection and how to avoid spreading it to others.

Treatment

Treatment for whooping cough focuses on killing the bacteria, managing cough symptoms, and preventing spread to others. Early treatment (within the first 2-3 weeks) is most effective. After that, antibiotics may not help much because the cough is caused by damage from the bacteria, not the bacteria itself.

Self-care at home

• Get plenty of rest to help your body fight the infection.
• Drink small amounts of fluid often to stay hydrated, especially after coughing fits.
• Use a humidifier or steam to soothe your airways.
• Avoid things that trigger coughing, like smoke, strong smells, or cold air.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough, and wash your hands often to protect others.

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection, especially if caught early. They can also recommend medications to help with cough, such as inhalers or cough suppressants, but always follow their advice. If the cough is severe, you might need to stay in the hospital for oxygen or fluids, but this is rare in adults.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not used to treat whooping cough.

Living with this condition

Whooping cough can disrupt daily life because of intense coughing fits. You may feel exhausted, miss work, and have trouble sleeping. It often takes weeks or months to fully recover, but most people get better with rest and care.

Lifestyle tips

• Take it easy – reduce activities until coughing fits improve.
• Avoid smoking or vaping, as they make cough worse.
• Stay away from crowded places or events until you are no longer contagious (usually 5 days after starting antibiotics or until 3 weeks after cough starts).
• Keep your home free from dust, pet dander, and strong odors.

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fluids to give your body energy to heal. Gentle exercise, like short walks, may be okay once your cough starts to improve, but rest is more important during the first few weeks. Stop if coughing gets worse.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A long-lasting cough can be frustrating and lonely. It can affect your mood, make you anxious, and disrupt your sleep. It’s normal to feel stressed or down – talk to a trusted friend or a healthcare professional. If you (or someone you know) feel overwhelmed, reach out for help.

Prevention

Yes, whooping cough can be prevented with vaccination. Good hygiene – covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands – also helps reduce spread.

Vaccines

The whooping cough vaccine is given as part of the routine childhood immunisation (DTaP) and a booster (Tdap) for adults, especially pregnant women (in the third trimester) to protect the new baby. Adults who have not had a booster in 10 years or who are in close contact with babies should ask their doctor about a vaccine.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for whooping cough in adults. Testing is done if symptoms suggest infection, especially during outbreaks or after contact with a known case.

Complications

If left untreated

• Pneumonia (lung infection)
• Rib fractures from violent coughing
• Hernia (a bulge in the belly wall) from coughing strain
• Fainting spells during coughing fits
• In severe cases: brain damage from lack of oxygen (rare in adults)

Long-term outlook

Most adults with whooping cough recover fully, though it can take weeks or months for the cough to go away. Early treatment with antibiotics can reduce the severity and shorten the contagious period. The outlook is very good with proper care, and serious complications are uncommon in healthy adults.

Find support

International organisations

• World Health Organization (WHO) – Pertussis ↗

Local organisations

• UK National Health Service (NHS) – Whooping cough ↗ · United Kingdom
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Pertussis ↗ · United States

Helplines

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