Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a serious respiratory illness. It can affect people of all ages but is especially dangerous for babies.
Recently, whooping cough has returned to our communities and the news. Cases are soaring across the U.S. — with exceptionally high numbers in Pennsylvania. (Recent numbers from the CDC place our state as the highest for whooping cough instances nationwide.)
The condition affects the lungs and a person’s ability to breathe. Its strange name comes from the sound made while taking breaths between the violent coughing fits in those who suffer from it.
Learn more about the symptoms, causes, and ways to prevent whooping cough.
What Is Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium.
These bacteria attach to the cilia (tiny, hair-like extensions) that line part of the upper respiratory system. The bacteria release toxins that damage the cilia and cause the airways to swell.
It starts with cold-like symptoms and progresses to severe coughing fits that can produce a “whooping” sound.
Doctors diagnose whooping cough through tests such as nasal swabs or blood tests, which can detect the presence of Bordetella pertussis bacteria. Since early symptoms often resemble a cold, initial diagnosis is challenging.
It is essential to identify whooping cough quickly. Starting antibiotics early can help reduce the illness’s severity and prevent further spread, especially to vulnerable infants.
Who Can Catch Whooping Cough?
Anyone is at risk of getting infected with whooping cough, but it most often occurs in babies, children, and adolescents.
Babies are particularly at risk for infection since they can’t get a preventative vaccine until they are at least 2 months old. They can contract whooping cough from parents, caregivers, or other children.
Whooping Cough Symptoms
Whooping cough starts with symptoms similar to a common cold. These early symptoms can last for 1-to-2 weeks and include:
- Low-grade fever (less than 100.4°F.)
- Mild, occasional cough.
- Runny or stuffed-up nose.
After the first week or two, the symptoms get worse. People with whooping cough may have:
- A high-pitched “whoop” sound when inhaling after a coughing fit.
- Difficulty sleeping at night.
- Feeling very tired after coughing fits.
- Fractured ribs from severe coughing.
- Rapid, violent, and uncontrolled coughing fits.
- Struggling to breathe.
- Vomiting during or after coughing fits.
During the cough, a person’s face can turn red, and, in severe cases, the lips or skin may turn purple or blue. These attacks tend to be more frequent at night. In between these coughing attacks, you may feel normal.
These coughing fits typically last 1 to 6 weeks but sometimes occur up to 10 weeks after infection.
Is Whooping Cough Contagious?
Yes, whooping cough is highly contagious and spreads easily from person to person. When someone with whooping cough coughs or sneezes, they release tiny droplets containing bacteria into the air. Other people can breathe in these droplets and get infected.
If you think you have exposed yourself to the virus or show any symptoms, it’s essential to act fast. See a health care provider immediately — early intervention increases your chance of a successful recovery.
Symptoms usually appear 7 to 10 days after exposure but may take longer. Symptoms may appear anywhere from 4 to 21 days after the infection occurs.
You may be contagious and spreading the whooping cough virus before symptoms show and for up to two weeks after coughing starts.
How Is Whooping Cough Treated?
Treatment for whooping cough should start immediately after diagnosis.
A health care provider will prescribe antibiotics to help prevent the disease from spreading, but these won’t stop or treat the cough.
Cough syrups and other medicines will not ease coughing spells, so you’ll need other at-home treatments to manage symptoms.
If your baby contracts whooping cough, doctors may need to admit them to the hospital due to potentially life-threatening complications like pneumonia or breathing issues.
To treat the infection and prevent complications, a health care provider will:
- Keep your baby’s airways clear, possibly by suctioning out mucus.
- Monitor your baby’s breathing and provide additional oxygen if needed.
- Prevent or treat dehydration, possibly with IV fluids.
At-home care tips
Taking care of whooping cough at home includes:
- Keeping the air humidified to soothe irritated airways.
- Ensuring adequate hydration to prevent dehydration, especially in children.
- Taking warm baths or drinking soothing teas to provide some relief.
- Monitoring infants and elderly family members closely for any worsening symptoms, such as difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical help if symptoms intensify.
How to Prevent Whooping Cough
The best way to prevent whooping cough is through vaccination. Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect yourself from whooping cough. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends whooping cough vaccines for people of all ages.
Here are some key points to know about the whooping cough vaccines:
- DTaP vaccine — Given to babies and young children in a series of five shots. Doctors give the first three doses during infancy, another during the toddler years, and the fifth between ages 4 and 6.
- Tdap vaccine — Given to preteens, teens, and adults as a booster shot.
Vaccinated people may still become infected but usually experience milder symptoms. Vaccinated people who get infected with whooping cough tend to feel less sick and usually experience infections for shorter periods than unvaccinated individuals.
Getting vaccinated protects you and helps stop the spread of whooping cough to others, particularly babies too young to be fully vaccinated. Babies are at the highest risk of getting whooping cough and experiencing severe complications.
Other ways to prevent whooping cough include:
- Avoid close contact — Stay away from people who are sick. If you are unwell, stay home to avoid spreading the virus in your community.
- Cover your cough — When coughing or sneezing, use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose.
- Hand hygiene — Wash your hands often with soap and water.
What to Do If You Think You Have Whooping Cough
If you or your child has symptoms of whooping cough, or if you notice your baby is having trouble breathing, it’s important to see a health care provider immediately. Early antibiotic treatment can help make the infection less severe and prevent it from spreading to others.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .