Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

What is whooping cough?

Whooping cough (pertussis) is an infection that causes very severe coughing that may last for weeks or months. During bursts of intense coughing, you may make a noise that sounds like a "whoop" when you try to take a breath. You can cough so hard that your chest and ribs hurt.

Whooping cough spreads easily from one person to another. Getting the pertussis vaccine can help you avoid the disease, make it less severe, and prevent you from spreading it to those who are at risk for more serious problems.

You can help prevent or decrease the severity of whooping cough by keeping your family's vaccines up to date.

Most people recover from whooping cough with no problems. But for some, it may lead to other problems, such as pneumonia. The infection can be serious in older adults and young children, especially babies who aren't old enough to have had their pertussis vaccines.

What causes it?

Whooping cough is caused by bacteria that infect the top of the throat (pharynx). The bacteria irritate the throat, which causes coughing.

When someone with whooping cough sneezes, laughs, or coughs, tiny drops of fluid holding the bacteria are put into the air. The bacteria can infect others when people breathe in the drops or get them on their hands and touch their mouth or nose. After the bacteria infect someone, symptoms usually appear about 5 to 10 days later. Sometimes it may be up to 3 weeks before symptoms appear.

What are the symptoms?

Early symptoms of whooping cough are similar to a common cold and can last for 1 to 2 weeks. Symptoms may include:

• A runny nose.
• A fever.
• A mild cough.
• Pauses in breathing in babies.

Later symptoms happen after 1 or 2 weeks and can last for 10 weeks or more. Symptoms include:

• Sudden bursts of intense coughing (coughing fits) that are followed by a "whoop" sound.
• Vomiting during or after coughing fits.
• Being very tired after coughing fits.

Recovery from whooping cough can happen slowly. The cough becomes milder and happens less often.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and do a physical exam. They may take a sample of mucus from your nose to have it tested for the bacteria that cause whooping cough. You may also have blood tests. A chest X-ray may be done to check for other health problems.

How is whooping cough treated?

Whooping cough is often treated with antibiotics. If you start taking antibiotics when you first get whooping cough, the infection may not last as long. These medicines also make it less likely that you will spread the infection. Family members and other close contacts may be prescribed antibiotics before they have any symptoms so they don't get sick.

Babies are often treated in the hospital. This allows the doctor to see how well the baby copes with and recovers from the sudden bursts of intense coughing (coughing fits). It also makes it easier for the baby to get extra care, such as help with breathing.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Contact your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Don't smoke or vape, and avoid being around others who are smoking or vaping. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about quit programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Have frequent, small sips of fluids, and eat healthy foods.
• Wash your hands often to help prevent the spread of infection.
• Keep away from other people, especially young children and older adults, while you are ill.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Lie on your side or stomach instead of your back to help decrease coughing.