Cough that sounds like whooping cough

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, can cause clusters of forceful coughs followed by a high-pitched intake of breath. Vomiting, exhaustion or difficulty catching the breath may follow. Babies may not make a whoop and can instead have pauses in breathing, poor feeding or unusual sleepiness. Other infections and airway problems can produce harsh or noisy coughing, so a clinician uses the history, examination and sometimes testing to assess the cause.

Keep away from vulnerable people while you are awaiting advice, cover coughs and wash hands. Information about [Whooping Cough](/conditions/whooping-cough/), [Cough](/symptoms/cough/) and [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) can help you describe the illness accurately.

Contact a clinician promptly, especially when the cough comes in repeated bouts, began recently, affects a baby, or follows contact with someone diagnosed with pertussis. Record the sound if safe, note fever and breathing changes, and mention vaccination history and household contacts. Do not share antibiotics or delay advice while waiting for the cough to become more distinctive. A clinician may discuss [Antibiotic Treatment](/treatments/medical-management/antibiotic-treatment/) when appropriate.

Call emergency services for pauses in breathing, blue or grey lips, severe breathing difficulty, collapse, marked drowsiness, inability to drink or signs of dehydration. Seek urgent medical advice for a baby with a new coughing illness, repeated vomiting after coughing, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Avoid close contact with infants and medically vulnerable people until you have received guidance.

Could this be pertussis or another infection? Do I need testing or treatment? Should household contacts be assessed? Is my vaccination protection current, including [Childhood Immunisation](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/childhood-immunisation/)?