Pertussis sound: what the cough may sound like

A pertussis cough can come in rapid bursts, leaving the person struggling to draw breath between coughs. The sharp intake may create a whoop, especially in older children, but babies and adults may have no whoop at all. Vomiting, exhaustion, facial redness or brief breathing pauses can accompany a fit. Fever is often absent or mild, so its absence does not rule pertussis out. The sound can also be difficult to hear when a recording is made at home.

Contact a clinician promptly if coughing fits are escalating or follow contact with pertussis. If safe, note when fits occur and whether there is vomiting or a noisy breath; do not delay care to make a recording. Keep the person upright during a fit, offer small sips after breathing settles, and keep away from smoke. Ask about antibiotic treatment and protect babies and other vulnerable household members from close contact.

Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey skin, prolonged pauses in breathing, collapse or unusual drowsiness. Babies need urgent assessment for poor feeding, repeated pauses, or colour change, even without a whoop. Prompt review is also needed for a cough that prevents drinking or causes repeated vomiting.

Ask whether the sound and timing fit pertussis, whether testing is appropriate, when close contact becomes safer, and whether immunisation needs checking.