Barking cough and pertussis

Whooping cough often starts like a mild upper-respiratory illness before coughing becomes forceful, repetitive, and exhausting. Some people vomit after a bout; infants may have pauses in breathing rather than a loud cough. Fever may be absent or mild. A barking quality is not specific, so a clinician weighs the pattern, duration, exposure to an infected person, vaccination history, and examination findings. Read more about [Whooping Cough](/conditions/whooping-cough/) and [Cough](/symptoms/cough/).

Arrange medical advice when bouts are escalating, interfere with sleep or feeding, or occur around a newborn. Cover coughs, wash hands, improve ventilation, and avoid close contact with vulnerable people until advised. Do not start or share antibiotics without a prescription; a clinician may consider testing and [Antibiotic Treatment](/treatments/medical-management/antibiotic-treatment/) based on timing and risk. Check vaccination records and ask about [Childhood Immunisation](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/childhood-immunisation/).

Seek emergency help for pauses in breathing, blue or grey colour, severe breathing difficulty, collapse, or inability to keep fluids down. Infants with a new repetitive cough need prompt assessment because breathing can deteriorate quickly. Seek same-day advice for vomiting after bouts, dehydration, marked exhaustion, or contact with a confirmed case.

Ask whether the cough pattern warrants pertussis testing, how long to avoid close contact, and whether household members need advice. Mention cough onset, vomiting, pauses, vaccination history, and any exposure.