A respiratory infection that causes a “whoop” sound after a person coughs is called whooping cough, pertussis, or the “100-day cough”. This condition may happen at any age, but the most severe symptoms are noticed in infants. Pertussis is often treated with antibiotics.
This condition is very contagious and mostly affects infants and children. In the early stages, people feel this condition is like a common cold, but it quickly advances to a persistent cough.
Sometimes, the cough may come and go. In such cases, it is called “paroxysms” or coughing fits. As a result, it may become difficult to eat, breathe, or sleep.
The medical term for whooping cough is pertussis. Sometimes, you may hear “100-day cough” because it lasts for long periods until it clears completely.
Symptoms
In most cases, the symptoms of this condition are similar to the common cold and then develop into a severe cough. It occurs in several stages. Moreover, infants may experience breathing problems even if they do not have a cough. If you notice that your baby has a severe cough, bluish discoloration around the mouth, or trouble breathing, seek emergency care immediately.
This respiratory infection usually occurs in three stages. For example, common cold symptoms, coughing fits, and gradual recovery. Check below the symptoms according to each stage of the disease:
Stage 1
Usually, this stage lasts approximately 2 weeks, and the infected person is mostly contagious during this period. Check below some symptoms:
- Stuffy nose
- Watery eyes
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Mild or occasional cough that gets worse over time
- Low-grade fever
- Malaise
In addition, infants may have breathing pauses during sleep (apnea). When it occurs, you may notice the following symptoms:
- The baby is working hard to breathe
- Cyanosis (reduced oxygen that causes skin color changes around the mouth)
- Breathing looks like they are panting
Stage 2
This stage may last from one to six weeks, sometimes up to 10 weeks. People with pertussis usually have thick mucus in the airways and severe coughing fits in this stage. Check below some symptoms:
- Cough many times in a row
- A “whoop” sound after coughing
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- Vomiting
- Crying, laughing, or eating may trigger a coughing fit
- This severe cough may happen during the day, but often worsens at nighttime
Stage 3
During this stage, you may also experience a cough, but it is less severe. It often lasts up to 6 weeks, and you will notice how the cough gradually goes away. It is important to know that during recovery, you are very vulnerable to other respiratory infections because your body is still healing. That’s why it is advised to avoid exposure to germs or direct contact with sick people. Otherwise, coughing fits may return.
The name of this condition (whooping cough) comes from the “whoop” sound that occurs after a person coughs. However, not everyone with pertussis develops this “whoop sound”.
Causes
This respiratory infection happens due to a bacterium called Bordetella pertussis. It causes damage to the lining of the airways and swelling. Therefore, it leads to thick mucus buildup and a severe cough. Moreover, this condition may spread to other people through droplets when a person sneezes or coughs. While most people begin to experience symptoms in the first 10 days after exposure, others may notice symptoms after 3 weeks.
Is Pertussis Contagious?
This is a highly contagious respiratory infection. It means that the bacteria that cause the disease easily spread to other people. You may get the bacterium from a person you live with, kids, and other people.
What Are The Potential Complications of Whooping Cough?
Without treatment, whooping cough may cause some complications, especially in infants and children. Check below some examples:
- Ear infections
- Nosebleeds
- Malnutrition (also known as nutritional deficiencies)
- Encephalopathy (brain function problems that may lead to permanent damage to the brain or even death)
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Respiratory failure
- Pneumonia
The most severe complications occur in babies under 12 months of age. Moreover, an increased risk of developing pertussis complications or even death exists for infants who are not vaccinated, are immunocompromised, or have severe asthma.
However, adolescents and adults may experience other complications. For example:
- Broken ribs
- Ear infections
- Fainting
- Migraines
- Urinary incontinence
- Pneumonia
- Unusual weight loss
How to Prevent Whooping Cough?
Fortunately, there are pertussis vaccines that help reduce the risk of this condition or having less severe symptoms once you get it. There are two vaccines that help prevent whooping cough. For example, DTaP for children and Tdap for teens, pregnant women, and adults. Furthermore, the effectiveness of this vaccine decreases gradually over time. Discuss with your doctor or your child’s pediatrician when to get vaccinated.
In some cases, doctors may recommend some preventive antibiotics. For example:
- You are at increased risk of getting very sick from whooping cough
- Spend time with people who can get very sick from whooping cough (such as infants)
One effective way to prevent respiratory infections is to wash your hands with soap and warm water regularly.
Diagnosis
Healthcare professionals usually diagnose this respiratory infection by performing the following tests and examinations. For example:
- A physical examination
- Questions about symptoms, medical and family history
- Nasopharyngeal swab (this test involves getting a small sample of mucus from the airways for testing in the laboratory)
It is important to tell your doctor if you were in direct contact with someone with whooping cough.
Treatment
Doctors usually treat this condition with antibiotics (such as Azithromycin, Clarithromycin, or Erythromycin). These medicines may help prevent serious complications and severe symptoms once they are taken in the early stages of the disease. You should take antibiotics exactly as recommended by your doctor, even if you feel better. Otherwise, it may lead to recurrent pertussis.
Generally, antibiotics cannot stop coughing fits, but they help prevent the spread of the infection to other people. When the condition causes an infant or child to become very sick, he/she should be monitored in the hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there anything I can do to feel better?
Check below some tips that may help ease the symptoms, especially during nighttime:
- Honey – It is safe to use honey for adults and kids over age 1. You should not give honey to infants because it significantly increases the risk of botulism.
- Plenty of rest and liquids help your body heal faster.
- Cool-mist humidifier – It helps break up mucus.
- Small meals – Avoid large or heavy meals while you treat the infection.
- Avoid irritants – These include smoke, chemical fumes, and dust.
How long is a whooping cough contagious?
In most cases, the condition is highly contagious for 3 weeks and stops after 5 days of treatment with antibiotics. For more details, discuss it with your doctor.
What are the primary symptoms of pertussis?
These include:
- A cough that causes a “whooping” sound
- Sneezing
- Nasal discharge
- Fever
- Watery eyes
If any of the previous symptoms occur, do not hesitate to see a doctor. Ask your healthcare provider if you have additional questions.
