What should you know about cough like whooping cough?

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, often starts like a mild cold before coughing spells become more intense. A spell can involve several coughs close together, followed by a deep intake of breath that sounds like a whoop. Vomiting, exhaustion, or difficulty catching the breath can follow a bout. Infants may have pauses in breathing rather than a classic whoop. A cough is a common presentation of whooping cough, but a similar pattern can occur with other infections, so sound alone cannot confirm the cause.

Contact a clinician promptly, especially if the cough is coming in bouts or a baby has breathing pauses. Keep the person resting, offer small drinks, and avoid smoke or strong scents. Cover coughs, wash hands, and limit close contact with babies and people who may become seriously unwell until medical advice is given. Antibiotic treatment may be prescribed after an assessment to treat the infection or reduce spread; take it exactly as directed and do not share leftover medicine.

Call emergency services if breathing stops, the face or lips turn blue or grey, the person cannot recover between bouts, or they become limp, confused, or difficult to wake. Seek same-day medical advice for a baby with a cough, repeated vomiting after coughing, poor drinking, dehydration, or worsening breathing. A fever with a cough can have several causes; a clinician can assess the whole pattern.

Ask whether testing is needed, whether close contacts need advice, and whether antibiotic treatment is appropriate. Tell the clinician the age of the person affected, vaccination history, date of onset, number and pattern of bouts, breathing pauses, vomiting, and any exposure to a prolonged cough.