Whooping cough at night: what to know

Whooping cough can present with clusters of forceful coughs followed by a struggle to draw breath; the cough may be particularly disruptive when a person is lying down and the surroundings are quiet. Interrupted sleep can leave both the ill person and carers exhausted. Not everyone with whooping cough makes a noticeable whoop, especially young babies. Other illnesses can also produce night cough, so timing alone cannot confirm the cause.

Arrange clinical advice promptly if whooping cough is suspected. Keep the person comfortably upright while awake, offer small sips of fluid after a coughing bout, and clear vomit promptly to protect the airway. Avoid smoke, incense, strong scents, and aerosol sprays in the sleeping area. A carer can note the time of bouts, any colour change, breathing pauses, fever, or vomiting. This record can help the clinician, but do not delay care to complete it.

Call emergency services for pauses in breathing, blue or grey lips, severe breathing effort, a seizure, collapse, or difficulty waking the person. An infant with coughing bouts, poor feeding, vomiting, or fewer wet nappies needs urgent assessment. Seek same-day care if coughing is worsening, repeated vomiting prevents fluids staying down, fever accompanies significant illness, or a household member has close contact with a vulnerable baby. Keep the person away from infants until a clinician gives infection-control advice.

Ask whether the pattern could fit whooping cough, whether testing or treatment is appropriate, and how to reduce spread at home. Ask how to monitor hydration overnight and which changes require emergency help. Mention vaccination history, pregnancy, contact with babies, and any recording of a coughing bout.