Whooping Cough
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a disease caused by a bacterial infection.
Infectious diseaseOverview
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a disease caused by a bacterial infection. Pertussis causes severe and uncontrollable coughing. "Whooping cough" name comes from the noise you make when you take a breath after you cough. The coughing spells may result in a choking fits or vomiting.
Although whooping cough can happen to anyone, it is more often seen in infants and children. Pertussis is most dangerous for infants. About half of infants younger than 1 year of age, who are diagnosed with whooping cough, are hospitalized.
Treatment with antibiotics may help in treating whooping cough if given early.
Symptoms
- Whooping cough usually begins with cold-like symptoms such as runny nose, low grade fever, and a mild cough.
- In infants, you may not even notice the cough as the cough can be minimal or absent. However, you may notice apnea in infants which is a pause in the breathing pattern.
- After 1 to 2 weeks, you may notice severe coughing. Pertussis can become a series of coughing spells that continue on for weeks.
- Pertussis can cause extreme and rapid coughing. As a result, you are forced to inhale with a loud "whooping" sound. The coughing spells my result in vomiting and feeling very tired.
- Infected people are most contagious up to about 2 weeks after the cough begins. Antibiotics may shorten the amount of time someone is contagious.
- The coughing fits can go on for up to 10 weeks or more.
- As the illness continues, coughing fits typically become more common and severe. The "whoop" is often not there and the infection is less severe in teens and adults, especially those who have been vaccinated.
Causes & risk factors
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a respiratory illness and is caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis.
These bacteria attach to the cilia (tiny, hair-like extensions) that line part of the upper respiratory system. The bacteria release toxins, which damages the cilia and causes swelling.
Pertussis is a very contagious disease, found in humans, and is spread from person to person. Pertussis usually spreads through coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others. Many infants who get pertussis are infected by family members or caregivers. Symptoms of pertussis typically develop within 7–10 days after exposure to pertussis. However, you may not even notice symptoms for as long as 6 weeks.
When to get help
See your doctor for severe coughing fits, a 'whooping' sound when breathing in, or vomiting after coughing, especially in infants. Seek emergency care if a baby turns blue, struggles to breathe, or has long pauses in breathing.
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All information on this site is provided “as-is” for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. You should consult with a medical professional if you have any questions about your health.