Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by a bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. Pertussis is notorious for its severe coughing fits, which can make breathing difficult. A distinctive “whooping” sound often follows it as the affected person gasps for air.
Whooping cough can last weeks or even months, earning it the nickname “the 100-day cough.” While it can affect people of all ages, it is most dangerous for infants and young children, particularly those under 6 months old who are not yet fully vaccinated.
Here’s everything you need to know about Whooping cough symptoms, the three stages of the infection, the contagious nature of pertussis, and how to prevent, treat, and care for a child with pertussis.
We recently reported a rise in walking pneumonia and whooping cough across the United States. If you believe your child has pertussis, you should make an appointment with their doctor or visit your local prompt care or ER based on the severity of the symptoms listed below.
Whooping Cough Symptoms
Whooping cough symptoms often start mildly, resembling a common cold. In the early stages, you might notice a runny or stuffy nose, a mild cough, a low-grade fever, sneezing, and watery eyes. These symptoms can last one to two weeks before progressing to more severe stages.
As the infection advances, the cough becomes more intense and is characterized by rapid, uncontrollable coughing fits.
These fits can be so severe that they cause vomiting, exhaustion, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, the coughing fits end with the classic “whooping” sound as the person struggles to inhale. However, not everyone with whooping cough makes this sound—infants, for example, may not cough at all but instead experience apnea (pauses in breathing) or turn blue due to lack of oxygen.
It’s crucial to monitor for worsening symptoms, especially in young children, as whooping cough can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, dehydration, and even seizures.
Key symptoms to watch for:
- Severe coughing fits followed by a “whooping” sound
- Vomiting after coughing
- Exhaustion or difficulty breathing
- Pauses in breathing (in infants)
What Does Whooping Cough Sound Like?
The hallmark of whooping cough is the distinctive “whoop” sound after a coughing fit. This sound happens when the person gasps for air after a series of rapid coughs. However, not everyone with whooping cough makes this sound—especially infants, who may instead struggle to breathe or turn blue.
Recognizing this sound early can be critical in seeking timely medical attention.
List to the video below to hear what whooping cough sounds like in many cases.
The 3 Stages of Whooping Cough
Whooping cough progresses through three distinct stages, each with different symptoms and challenges. Remember that the timeline for your child will depend on their immune system, the severity of their infection, and other factors.
Catarrhal Stage (1-2 weeks)
This stage resembles a common cold, with symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and a mild cough. The infection is most contagious during this phase, yet it’s often mistaken for a minor illness.
As a dad to four children, I try to stay on top of major illnesses that are moving through my area at any given time. Knowing a disease is prevalent and understanding its initial symptoms can help with early diagnosis and treatment. It’s also why my children have always been vaccinated according to the CDC vaccination schedule.
Paroxysmal Stage (1-6 weeks)
The cough becomes more severe in the paroxysmal stage, with rapid, uncontrollable coughing fits followed by the characteristic “whoop.”
These fits can be exhausting and are often accompanied by vomiting or difficulty breathing. This stage is the most challenging for both the patient and caregivers.
Convalescent Stage (weeks to months)
The coughing fits gradually decrease in frequency and severity, but the cough may linger for weeks or months.
Recovery is slow, and the person may remain susceptible to respiratory infections during this time.
How Long Is Whooping Cough Contagious, And How Is It Caught?
Whooping cough is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. People are most infectious during the early stages, particularly the catarrhal stage, and can remain contagious for up to two weeks after the cough begins.
Antibiotics can reduce the contagious period to about five days after starting treatment. Without antibiotics, the infection can spread for up to three weeks after the onset of coughing fits. This makes early diagnosis and treatment critical for the patient’s recovery and preventing the spread of the disease to others.
How to Prevent Whooping Cough
The best way to prevent whooping cough is through vaccination. The DTaP vaccine protects children against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, while the Tdap vaccine is recommended for adolescents and adults. Vaccination guidelines include:
- Infants and children: Five doses of DTaP at 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months, and a booster at 4-6 years.
- Adolescents: A single dose of Tdap at age 11-12.
- Pregnant women: A Tdap dose during each pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks.
- Adults: A Tdap booster every 10 years.
In addition to vaccination, practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and avoiding close contact with infected individuals, can help reduce the risk of infection.
How To Cure Whooping Cough
Whooping cough is treated with antibiotics, which, if started early, can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.
Commonly prescribed antibiotics include azithromycin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin. Antibiotics are most effective when administered during the catarrhal or early paroxysmal stages.
In severe cases, hospitalization may be required, especially for infants who are at higher risk of complications like pneumonia or dehydration.
Early intervention and supportive care are critical in managing the disease.
How To Take Care Of Your Child With Whooping Cough
Caring for a child with whooping cough can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to ease their discomfort and support their recovery.
- Ensure they stay hydrated by offering small sips of water, broth, or electrolyte solutions.
- Using a cool-mist humidifier can help soothe irritated airways and ease coughing.
- Keep the air clean by avoiding smoke, strong odors, and other irritants that trigger coughing fits.
- Encourage plenty of rest to help their body recover, and
- Monitor for complications like dehydration, difficulty breathing, or bluish skin.
When To Seek Immediate Medical Attention
While many cases of whooping cough can be managed at home, specific symptoms require urgent medical attention.
If your child experiences seizures, turns blue (cyanosis), or loses consciousness, seek emergency care immediately.
These signs may indicate severe complications such as lack of oxygen or neurological issues, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Long-Term Complications
In severe cases, whooping cough can lead to long-term complications, particularly in infants and young children. These may include lung damage, such as bronchiectasis (a condition where the airways become abnormally widened), or neurological issues like seizures or developmental delays.
While these complications are rare, they highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to minimize the risk of lasting harm.
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a serious but preventable illness. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can protect your family and help your child recover if they become infected.
The information provided is for educational purposes only. It should not be a replacement for medical care or advice. This info is not intended to diagnose or replace medical treatment. Consult your doctor if you have any questions about your child’s whooping cough. If they are experiencing an emergency, contact 911 or transport them to the nearest emergency room.