Can whooping cough be managed at home?

Coughing fits can be exhausting and may trigger vomiting. Supportive care does not remove the infection, so it works alongside advice from a clinician rather than replacing an assessment when pertussis is suspected.

Offer frequent small drinks to reduce the chance of dehydration, especially when vomiting follows a cough. Choose calm, upright rest after a fit if it feels comfortable, and keep the room free from cigarette smoke, incense, perfume, and other airway irritants.

Small meals may be easier than a large meal when coughing causes nausea. Monitor drinking, urination, alertness, breathing effort, and feeding in babies. Cough suppressants are not suitable for everyone, particularly young children, so check with a pharmacist or clinician before using them.

Contact a clinician promptly for advice about diagnosis and whether antibiotic treatment is appropriate. Explain when the cough began, whether there was contact with a person with whooping cough, and whether anyone at home is an infant, pregnant, or medically vulnerable.

Follow instructions about limiting close contact and cleaning hands after coughing or handling used tissues. Do not share drinks, cutlery, or towels while someone is unwell. Keep vaccination records available when you speak with the clinic.

Seek urgent medical help for difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips or skin, a breathing pause, collapse, marked drowsiness, or dehydration. A baby who feeds poorly, has fewer wet nappies, or seems unusually sleepy needs prompt assessment.

Coughing that repeatedly ends in vomiting or prevents a person from recovering their breath also deserves same-day clinical advice.

Ask whether testing is useful, whether antibiotics could benefit the patient or close contacts, and how long to avoid close contact with others. Ask which home symptoms should prompt a change from routine care to urgent care.