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Whooping cough is a contagious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. More formally known as pertussis, the illness causes coughing spells that can sometimes end in a “whooping” sound when breathing in.
Babies younger than 12 months and people with suppressed immune systems are most at risk for severe complications. The coughing fits (sometimes referred to as paroxysms) and “whooping” sound are common symptoms, but not universal.
Because it’s caused by a bacteria, whooping cough treatments typically include antibiotics. Given early in the illness, before the coughing spells start, antibiotics can help prevent severe symptoms and help prevent spread of the bacteria. Your health care provider might prescribe preventive antibiotics for other household members at risk of severe complications.
Whooping cough can be a very serious illness, raising the risk of pneumonia, dehydration and trouble breathing, including periods of briefly not breathing and low oxygen levels.
If your child has been exposed to someone with whooping cough, consult a health care provider about next steps. Your pediatrician might collect mucus samples from your child’s throat and nose for lab testing.
In some cases, kids with whooping cough need care in a hospital. Babies and younger children are more likely to be hospitalized because they’re at greater risk for problems like pneumonia. Other possible problems include trouble breathing, periods of apnea, needing oxygen (usually during a coughing spell) and dehydration.
Whooping cough can be life-threatening for babies, and they often need hospital treatment. In the hospital, children may need mucus and fluids removed from the nose, mouth or back of the throat with a bulb syringe or a catheter. This is called suctioning and helps to clear the airways. Breathing will be watched closely, and children will get extra oxygen if needed.
Whooping cough symptoms can take one to three weeks to emerge after infection. Once symptoms start, they are like those of the common cold for the first week or two and include:
After one or two weeks, the severe cough can begin. The coughing fits can lead to vomiting, exhaustion and difficulty breathing due to accumulation of thick mucus. The severe coughing can last for months. Even recovery with lingering symptoms can last for months more.
Adults and teens may have milder or different symptoms, such as a lasting cough (rather than coughing spells) or coughing without the “whooping” sound. Some, especially those who are not up to date on their vaccines, can develop more serious problems from whooping cough.
Contact a health care provider if your child has been near someone with whooping cough or you suspect your child has the illness, even if they’ve gotten their scheduled vaccines. Contact a medical provider if your child throws up after coughing or there’s a “whooping” sound when inhaling after a cough.
If your child’s lips, gums or nail beds look blue — a sign of low oxygen — get medical attention right away. Get care right away if your child has trouble breathing, periods of not breathing, seems sluggish or shows signs of dehydration.
Be exact when following your health care provider’s instructions for giving antibiotics. Erythromycin, clarithromycin and azithromycin are preferred antibiotics for anyone 1 month old or older. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is an alternative after 2 months of age.
Do not give cough medicine without your medical provider’s approval. The cough is helping clear the airways.
A cool-mist humidifier will help soothe breathing passages. Aerosol sprays and smoke, such as that from tobacco, cooking, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves, can trigger coughing fits.
Be on the lookout for dehydration as the coughing fits often get in the way of eating and drinking. Dehydration signs include:
The DTaP vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis, is very effective at preventing whooping cough. The DTaP vaccine is typically given in five doses, starting at 6 months old with three more through 18 months. Another dose is due around age 5 years. Immunity fades, so a booster shot (Tdap) is due around age 11.
Teens and adults should make sure they’re up to date. A vaccination in the second half of pregnancy will help protect the newborn.
The pertussis vaccine is especially important for adults who visit or have close contact with infants. Adults’ immunity to whooping cough lessens over time.
Sneezes, coughs, laughs — anything that would allow tiny drops of infected fluid to get into the air or on others’ hands can spread the bacteria to their nose or mouth.
Kids and adults are most contagious once symptoms start and for a few weeks after the cough starts. Infected people are still contagious for five weeks after antibiotics start.