Whooping cough and chest X-rays

A chest X-ray makes an image of the lungs and surrounding structures. It does not confirm whooping cough on its own. Clinicians may consider it if your examination or symptoms raise concern about another lung problem, such as pneumonia, or if breathing is getting worse. For suspected whooping cough, the history of coughing bouts, timing of illness and appropriate infection testing guide the assessment. The reason for imaging should be explained before the test is arranged.

Describe when the cough began, whether it comes in bouts, any vomiting after coughing, fever, breathlessness and known exposure to someone with whooping cough. Tell the clinician if you could be pregnant, as this affects imaging decisions. Follow instructions about prescribed treatment and reducing close contact with people who are vulnerable to respiratory infection. Do not delay assessment while waiting to see whether an X-ray is required.

Seek urgent help for severe shortness of breath, blue or grey lips or face, a pause in breathing, chest pain, confusion, or signs of dehydration. Prompt medical advice is needed for a baby with a cough, especially if feeding is difficult or breathing changes. Worsening fever with breathlessness needs a timely clinical review.

Ask what question the chest X-ray is intended to answer, whether another test is more useful for suspected whooping cough, and how you will receive the result. Ask what changes in breathing or cough should lead you to seek care before follow-up.