Pertussis stages and how symptoms change

The early phase may bring a runny nose, throat irritation, sneezing and a mild cough. In the next phase, coughs often arrive in repeated bursts and may cause vomiting, exhaustion or a whoop when breathing in. The recovery phase can be slow: fits become less frequent, yet a cough may flare again with another respiratory infection. Babies can skip the obvious coughing phase and instead show pauses in breathing, poor feeding or colour change. Vaccinated people may have a milder or less recognisable pattern.

Seek medical advice early when a cold-like illness turns into repeated coughing fits, especially after an exposure. Rest between fits, take small sips of fluid, and avoid smoke and strong scents. Keep a simple record of triggers, vomiting, breathing pauses and feeding. Ask whether antibiotic treatment is suitable and follow isolation guidance. Check immunisation records for children and close contacts.

Get emergency help for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, collapse, confusion or repeated pauses in breathing. Babies need prompt assessment for poor feeding, unusual sleepiness or colour changes, even if they do not cough forcefully. Contact a clinician promptly when fits prevent sleep, drinking or normal activity, or when vomiting follows repeated coughs.

Ask which phase the symptoms suggest, whether testing or treatment could help now, how to protect household members, and what recovery changes should trigger review.