Whooping Cough

Whooping cough is a contagious bacterial respiratory infection that can cause severe bouts of coughing and needs timely medical advice.

It is also called pertussis. The illness can be especially serious for babies and people whose immune system is weakened, so reducing exposure and acting on symptoms matters.

A cough is a very common presentation of whooping cough, and fever can occur. Early symptoms may resemble a cold, then coughing bouts can become intense and may end with a sharp intake of breath. Babies may not make a whooping sound and can instead have pauses in breathing, poor feeding or unusual sleepiness.

Whooping cough is caused by bacteria passed in respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Close household contact makes spread easier, particularly before the illness has been recognised. Covering coughs, cleaning hands and following clinical advice about contact with vulnerable people can reduce transmission.

The illness often starts with mild cold-like symptoms before the cough becomes more persistent. Coughing bouts can disrupt sleep, trigger vomiting or leave a person exhausted. Recovery can be gradual even after the infection is no longer being passed on, and a new cough should be assessed rather than assumed to be whooping cough.

Babies too young to have completed routine immunisation, pregnant people, older adults and people with weakened immunity may be more vulnerable to complications. Living with someone who has a persistent cough can increase exposure. Tell the clinician about close contact with infants or pregnancy when booking an appointment.

Assessment includes the pattern and duration of cough, recent contacts, vaccination history and any breathing or feeding concerns. A clinician may take a sample from the nose or throat to look for the bacteria. Testing is most useful when arranged promptly, but urgent care should never wait if breathing is affected.

Antibiotic treatment may be prescribed, particularly early in the illness or when limiting spread is important. It does not always stop an established cough immediately. Rest, fluids and avoiding smoke can make recovery more manageable. A clinician can advise on staying away from vulnerable contacts and on when it is appropriate to return to school, nursery or work.

Offer small drinks often if coughing makes drinking difficult, and use a calm upright position during bouts where possible. Avoid over-the-counter cough remedies for young children unless a clinician or pharmacist says they are suitable. Keep track of breathing, feeding and alertness, especially in babies.

Forceful coughing can cause dehydration, exhaustion and vomiting. Babies can develop serious breathing problems and may need hospital care. Seek emergency help for breathing pauses, a change in colour, seizures, marked drowsiness or inability to feed.

Childhood immunisation is an important way to reduce the risk of whooping cough and its serious consequences. Follow local vaccination schedules and discuss pregnancy-related protection with a maternity clinician. If whooping cough is suspected, contact a healthcare professional before visiting people at higher risk.

Contact a clinician promptly for a cough with repeated severe bouts, vomiting after coughing, a whooping sound or contact with a confirmed case. Any baby with cough, poor feeding, breathing changes or unusual sleepiness needs urgent assessment.