Whoop and cough: what to know

A whoop is the sharp breath in after repeated coughs empty the lungs. It can be heard with whooping cough, although not every person with that infection makes the sound. Other airway conditions can cause persistent or severe coughing without a whoop, including asthma, bronchitis, nasal allergy, or reflux. Vomiting after coughing, exhaustion, and broken sleep can occur when bouts are intense. The cough pattern, contact history, age, and breathing examination guide assessment.

Contact a clinician promptly and describe the sound, how long the cough has lasted, and whether there has been close contact with someone who has a prolonged cough. Offer frequent sips of fluid and small meals if coughing triggers nausea. Keep the room free of smoke, perfume, and aerosol sprays. For an infant, hold them upright while awake and watch their breathing closely. Do not give an infant cough medicine unless a clinician specifically advises it.

Get emergency help for blue or grey lips, pauses in breathing, severe difficulty breathing, unusual sleepiness, a seizure, or inability to keep fluids down. Babies with coughing bouts need urgent assessment because they can deteriorate quickly and may not make a classic whoop. Seek same-day care for fever with a worsening cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, or repeated vomiting. Keep distance from infants and vulnerable people until a clinician advises on infection precautions.

Ask whether the cough could be whooping cough or another airway problem, whether testing is appropriate, and whether household contacts need advice. Bring a recording of the sound if it can be captured safely. Ask which medicines are suitable for the person's age, pregnancy status, and other health conditions.