Whooping Cough

What Is Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a serious respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It gets its name from the “whoop” sound some people make when gasping for air after a coughing fit. Though anyone can get whooping cough, it is especially dangerous for babies and young children.

Pertussis affects the lungs and airways, causing swelling and a thick mucus buildup. The infection can last several weeks or even months, and it spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Whooping cough is caused by a bacterial infection. When the bacteria Bordetella pertussis enter your respiratory system, they attach to the tiny hairs (cilia) that line your airways. The bacteria release toxins that damage the cilia and cause swelling and mucus.

You can catch whooping cough through:

• Breathing in droplets from someone’s cough or sneeze
• Touching a contaminated surface and then touching your mouth or nose
• Close contact with someone who has the infection — even if they just have a mild cough
  
  

People with whooping cough are most contagious during the early cold-like stage and for about two weeks after coughing begins.

Whooping Cough Symptoms

Symptoms usually appear 5 to 10 days after exposure but can take up to 3 weeks. The illness happens in three stages:

1. Early stage (1–2 weeks) – Often looks like a cold:

• Runny nose
• Mild cough
• Low-grade fever
• Sneezing
  
  

2. Paroxysmal stage (1–6 weeks or longer) – Severe symptoms:

• Long fits of rapid coughing (may end in a “whooping” gasp)
• Vomiting after coughing
• Exhaustion from coughing
• Difficulty breathing
  
  

3. Recovery stage (weeks to months) – Cough gradually improves but can return with other infections.

Note: Infants may not “whoop” but could stop breathing or turn blue during coughing fits. This is a medical emergency.

How Is Whooping Cough Diagnosed?

To diagnose whooping cough, a health care provider may:

• Ask about symptoms and vaccination history
• Perform a physical exam
• Take a nose or throat swab to test for Bordetella pertussis
• Order blood tests or a chest X-ray in severe cases
  
  

Early testing is important to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment quickly.

At-Home Care

Supportive care can ease symptoms and help recovery. This includes:

• Getting plenty of rest
• Staying hydrated with water or clear fluids
• Using a humidifier to soothe cough
• Avoiding smoke or strong odors that irritate airways
  
  

Over-the-counter cough suppressants usually don’t help and should not be given to children without a doctor’s advice.

Prescription Medications

Doctors may prescribe antibiotics such as azithromycin or clarithromycin. These can:

• Shorten how long the infection lasts
• Reduce the chance of spreading it to others
• Be given to close contacts (like family members) as a preventive measure
  
  

Infants, pregnant women, and people with breathing problems may need hospital care, including oxygen or IV fluids.

How to Prevent Whooping Cough

The best way to prevent whooping cough is through vaccination.

Recommended Vaccines

• DTaP: For babies and children under 7 years old
• Tdap: For older children, teens, and adults (including during each pregnancy)
  
  

These vaccines protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.

Other preventive tips:

• Keep babies away from anyone with a cough
• Wash hands frequently
• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
• Stay home if you are sick
  
  

Immunity from vaccines or past infection fades over time, so booster shots are important.

If you or your child has a persistent cough — especially one that causes vomiting or difficulty breathing — contact your health care provider right away. Early treatment can make symptoms milder and reduce the risk of spreading it to others.

Stay up to date on vaccines, and help protect the most vulnerable people in your community, especially infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated.

At Riverside Health, we're dedicated to compassionate, collaborative care. We provide a wide range of services, from childbirth to end-of-life care, delivering over 2 million services each year. Our integrated network allows us to support you seamlessly through health, illness, recovery, and wellness. With top clinicians and advanced technology, we’re here for you at convenient locations close to home and work. Visit riversideonline.com.

If you’re wondering where the best place is to get care, please see our guide below:

If your problem is life- or limb-threatening, call 911 or go to the emergency room.

Primary Care – Schedule through MyChart or call your provider’s office who you go to for most health care needs.

Virtual Clinic – Schedule through MyChart or click Here to learn more about Primary Care On Demand.

MD Express Urgent Care – Click Here to find a location near you for after-hours care or when your primary care provider is not available. Open 9am-9pm, Mon-Sun.

If you’re not sure, call Riverside Nurse 24/7 at 1-800-675-6368