Another name for pertussis

The ‘whoop’ describes the sharp sound that may happen when someone breathes in after a coughing fit. Not everyone makes this sound. Babies may pause their breathing, struggle to feed or turn blue rather than whoop, while older children and adults may have a persistent cough with vomiting after attacks. Pertussis can begin like a mild cold before the cough becomes more intense. The medical name and the everyday name refer to the same infection.

Call a healthcare service before visiting if pertussis is suspected, especially when a baby or pregnant person may have been exposed. A clinician can decide whether testing or antibiotics are appropriate and advise how long to avoid close contact. Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed. Keep the person away from smoke and other airway irritants, offer fluids in small frequent amounts, and do not give cough medicine to a young child unless a clinician recommends it.

Seek emergency care if breathing stops or becomes difficult, the lips or face turn blue or grey, the person has a seizure, or they are hard to wake. A baby with coughing fits, feeding difficulty or pauses in breathing needs immediate assessment. Prompt clinical advice is also warranted for repeated vomiting, signs of dehydration, chest pain, coughing up blood, or a cough that is rapidly worsening. Do not wait for a whooping sound before seeking help.

Ask whether the cough pattern calls for testing, whether antibiotics could reduce spread, and when normal activities can resume. Tell the clinician when the cough began, whether vomiting or breathing pauses occur, who has had close contact, and whether anyone exposed is a baby or pregnant. Review vaccination records and ask whether household contacts need preventive treatment or updated immunisation.