What should you know about pertussis vomiting?

Pertussis causes bouts of forceful coughing that may come close together. Pressure in the chest and abdomen, mucus, and a sensitive gag reflex can lead to vomiting during or soon after an attack. This pattern is different from vomiting that begins independently of coughing. Whooping cough may also cause exhaustion, disturbed sleep and difficulty eating or drinking.

Vomiting is a presentation that can occur with whooping cough, but it does not confirm the diagnosis by itself. Other infections and causes of cough can produce a similar symptom. A clinician will consider the cough pattern, age, vaccination history, exposure and examination.

Offer small, frequent sips of fluid after an attack and allow time to recover before offering food. Keep the person upright while awake, reduce exposure to smoke and strong scents, and record when coughing and vomiting happen. Keep infants and vulnerable people away from someone with a suspected infection until medical advice is obtained.

Contact a clinician promptly. Antibiotic treatment may be advised to reduce spread and is more useful when started early. Never give a child another person’s medicine, and ask before using cough products. Childhood immunisation is an important way to reduce future pertussis risk.

Get emergency help if vomiting is accompanied by blue lips, pauses in breathing, severe breathlessness, confusion, marked sleepiness or choking. Seek same-day advice when repeated vomiting prevents drinking, urine becomes much less frequent, coughing attacks are worsening, or the person is a baby. Dehydration can develop quickly in young children.

Ask whether a respiratory test is needed, how to maintain hydration, whether antibiotics are suitable, and when the person can safely return to childcare, school or work.