What is whooping cough?

Whooping cough (also called pertussis) is a disease that causes severe coughing. You may also have symptoms that are similar to those of a common cold, such as a cough, a runny nose, and a fever.

You may have a cough for weeks or even months. A coughing spell may last a long time. You may feel very tired in between coughing spells.

Your doctor may give you antibiotics to control the spread of the bacteria. But even with the antibiotics, you may keep coughing.

This disease can spread quickly from person to person. You can prevent or decrease the severity of whooping cough in your family by keeping their immunizations up to date.

Early symptoms of whooping cough are similar to those of a common cold. Symptoms include a runny nose, a fever, and a cough. Then you get spells of rapid coughing. Coughing spells may cause you to throw up and be very tired.

Whooping cough is often treated with antibiotics. These medicines make it less likely that you will spread the disease. Babies are often treated in the hospital. This allows the doctor to see how well the baby copes with coughing spells. The baby can also get extra care, such as help with breathing.

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and do a physical exam. They may take a sample of mucus from your nose to have it tested for the bacteria that cause whooping cough. You may also have blood tests. A chest X-ray may be done to check for other health problems.

• Take your antibiotics as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Stay away from possible triggers of coughing, such as smoke, dust, sudden noises or lights, and changes in temperature.
• Have frequent, small sips of fluids and nutritious foods.
• Create a calm, quiet, restful place for yourself.
• Lie on your side or stomach instead of your back.

Whooping cough is caused by bacteria that infect the top of the throat (pharynx). The bacteria irritate the throat, which causes coughing.

When someone with whooping cough coughs, sneezes, or laughs, tiny drops of fluid holding the bacteria are put into the air. The bacteria can infect others when people breathe in the drops or get them on their hands and touch their mouth or nose. After the bacteria infect someone, symptoms usually appear about 5 to 10 days later. Sometimes it may be up to 3 weeks before symptoms appear.

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a disease that causes severe coughing that may last for months. During a coughing spell, you may make a noise that sounds like a "whoop" when you try to take a breath. You can cough so hard that you hurt a rib.