What should you know about complications of pertussis?

Whooping cough causes repeated coughing bouts that can make breathing difficult and leave a person exhausted. A bout may trigger vomiting, poor feeding, or trouble keeping fluids down. In babies, breathing pauses, colour change, or reduced alertness can occur without the classic whoop.

The cough can continue for a long time after the infection begins. A chest infection is a possible complication, while forceful coughing can cause soreness, nosebleeds, or small broken blood vessels around the eyes. Babies, older adults, and people with lung or immune conditions may need closer observation.

Arrange medical assessment if pertussis is suspected, especially for an infant or someone with breathing or feeding problems. Prescribed antibiotics may reduce spread and are most useful when started early; take them exactly as directed. Keep the person rested, offer suitable fluids in small frequent amounts, and avoid smoke or other airway irritants.

Follow infection-control advice, including staying away from vulnerable people until the clinician says it is safe. Do not give cough medicines to a child unless a healthcare professional has advised it.

Call emergency services for blue or grey lips, severe breathing difficulty, pauses in breathing, collapse, or unusual unresponsiveness. Seek urgent assessment for repeated vomiting, inability to drink, signs of dehydration, chest pain, or a fever with worsening cough. A baby with coughing spells or feeding difficulty should be assessed promptly rather than monitored alone at home.

Ask whether testing is needed, how long the person may spread pertussis, whether household contacts need preventive treatment, and which breathing or feeding changes should trigger urgent help. Ask how to give prescribed medicine and how to protect babies and pregnant family members.