What does a whooping cough sound like?

The sound is made when someone tries to breathe in after a run of coughs. It may be easier to notice in children, but not everyone with whooping cough makes this sound. Babies may instead have pauses in breathing or struggle to feed.

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is an infection that can begin with symptoms similar to a cold. A cough may become more intense over time, with fits that leave a person tired, red-faced, or sick afterwards.

A fever can occur, although it is not the defining feature. The noise alone cannot diagnose the illness: other respiratory infections and airway irritation can also produce severe coughing. A clinician can assess the pattern, close contacts, and need for testing.

Arrange medical advice promptly if a persistent cough develops into bouts, particularly if there has been contact with someone diagnosed with whooping cough. Keep the person comfortable, offer small frequent drinks if coughing triggers vomiting, and avoid smoke or strong scents that can provoke further coughing.

A clinician may consider antibiotic treatment to reduce spread in appropriate circumstances. Do not share cough medicines or use antibiotics left over from another illness. Tell the clinic if there are infants, pregnant people, or vulnerable people in the household.

Seek urgent medical help for trouble breathing, blue or grey lips or skin, faintness, a breathing pause, dehydration, or a baby who feeds poorly. Get same-day clinical advice when coughing fits cause repeated vomiting or make it hard to catch a breath.

Infants can become unwell quickly with respiratory infections, so a concerning cough in a young baby needs prompt assessment even without a whoop.

Ask whether the cough pattern suggests whooping cough, whether testing is useful now, and whether household contacts need assessment. It is also useful to ask when the person can return to nursery, school, or work and how to reduce spread at home.