Differential diagnosis of whooping cough

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, may begin like a mild cold before repeated, forceful coughing develops. A high-pitched intake of breath, vomiting after coughing, exhaustion, or coughing bouts that disturb sleep can support the diagnosis, but not every person makes a whoop. Clinicians also consider a common viral cough, asthma, pneumonia, reflux-related irritation, and other causes. Age, vaccination history, exposure to someone with a prolonged cough, fever, breathing between bouts, and how symptoms have changed all matter. A swab from the nose or throat may be used when testing is appropriate.

Arrange a medical assessment if coughing fits are worsening, continuing, or causing vomiting or disturbed breathing. Record when the cough started, whether it comes in bursts, and any fever or noisy breathing. Rest, sip fluids, avoid smoke, and keep distance from infants and people who may become seriously ill until a clinician advises you. Antibiotics may be prescribed for selected cases and can help reduce spread when started at an appropriate stage; do not use leftover medicine.

Seek emergency help for struggling to breathe, blue or grey lips, pauses in breathing, confusion, fainting, or inability to drink. Babies with coughing spells need prompt medical attention because they may have breathing pauses without a classic whoop. Contact a clinician promptly for chest pain, dehydration, persistent high fever, or a cough that is rapidly becoming more severe.

Ask which alternative causes fit the cough pattern, whether testing is useful now, how long to avoid close contact, and whether household contacts need advice. You can also ask when treatment should begin and which warning signs require reassessment.