Pertussis clinical manifestations

At first, the illness may look like a minor respiratory infection, with nasal discharge, sneezing and a light cough. Later, coughing episodes may arrive suddenly and repeatedly, with a struggle to draw breath between coughs. A whoop can follow the episode, but many adults do not make this sound. Vomiting, exhaustion, sore chest muscles and facial redness can follow intense coughing. Young infants may show poor feeding, pauses in breathing or unusual quietness instead of classic coughing fits.

Record when attacks happen, what triggers them, and whether the person vomits or changes colour. Offer small, frequent drinks if coughing interrupts eating, and keep the air free of tobacco smoke. Use a mask and distance from vulnerable household members while awaiting advice. Do not give a child someone else’s cough medicine. A clinician can decide whether a swab or other test and antibiotic treatment are suitable.

Emergency care is needed when breathing stops or becomes very hard, the lips turn blue or grey, the person cannot stay awake, or choking does not settle. Contact a clinician promptly for an infant with feeding difficulty, any new breathing pause, or coughing attacks that are becoming more frequent. Seek assessment when a cough is prolonged or unexplained, even if there is little fever.

Ask how the observed pattern fits pertussis, whether close contacts need assessment, how to protect an infant at home, and which changes in breathing or feeding should trigger immediate care.