Wheezing and Whooping Cough

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is an infection that can cause repeated bouts of cough followed by a forceful breath in. Some people wheeze, while others have vomiting after coughing, exhaustion, or difficulty catching their breath. Babies may not make a whooping sound and can instead pause in breathing or struggle quietly. Fever may be absent or mild, so the cough pattern and contact with others matter when a clinician assesses you.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you or a child has repeated coughing fits, a whoop, or breathing difficulty. Keep the person away from infants and people who may be medically vulnerable until advice is given, and cover coughs with a tissue or elbow. Take prescribed antibiotic treatment exactly as directed; it may reduce spread and is not a reason to ignore breathing symptoms. Check whether household members need vaccination advice.

Call emergency services if breathing pauses, the lips or face turn blue or grey, the person becomes unusually sleepy or confused, or a coughing fit causes severe breathing difficulty. Infants with poor feeding, repeated vomiting, pauses in breathing, or a change in colour need urgent assessment. Seek medical advice for a persistent worsening cough even without a whoop.

Ask whether testing is needed, how long the person may be infectious, whether antibiotic treatment is appropriate, and whether childhood immunisation is up to date.