Which specialist treats whooping cough?

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is an infection that can cause bouts of coughing. A GP or family doctor can assess symptoms, arrange testing when appropriate, and advise on avoiding spread. Children, especially babies, may be assessed by a paediatrician because coughing fits can interfere with feeding and breathing. Hospital clinicians or an infectious-disease specialist may become involved when illness is severe, the diagnosis is uncertain, or extra support is needed.

Contact a clinic promptly if you suspect whooping cough, particularly after close contact with someone who has it. Tell the clinician how long the cough has lasted, whether there is vomiting after coughing, and whether anyone at home is pregnant, very young, or medically vulnerable. Treatment may include antibiotics in selected situations; take them exactly as prescribed. Rest, fluids, and smaller feeds for infants may help while you follow the care plan. Vaccination remains an important way to reduce risk.

Seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing, blue or grey lips or face, pauses in breathing, marked drowsiness, dehydration, or a baby who is feeding poorly. A persistent cough with fever or worsening coughing episodes also deserves prompt clinical advice. Do not wait for a specialist appointment if a child appears distressed during or between coughing fits.

Ask whether testing is useful, whether antibiotic treatment is appropriate, how to protect household contacts, and when it is safe to return to nursery, school, or work. If you are caring for a baby, ask what changes in feeding or breathing should trigger immediate review.