Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a lung infection that causes extreme coughing fits. Sometimes these fits can get so intense that they lead to vomiting. The name “whooping cough” comes from the distinctive noise made when trying to catch your breath after a long coughing spell.
This infection is highly contagious and can impact people of all ages, but it’s particularly dangerous for infants who haven’t been vaccinated. In fact, about half of the babies who get whooping cough need to be hospitalized.
Whooping cough progresses through three stages: catarrhal, paroxysmal, and convalescent. If you or your child come down with it, each stage will bring about different symptoms.
The catarrhal phase is the beginning stage and typically lasts one to two weeks. Symptoms during this phase might seem like a common cold, making early diagnosis tricky.
The paroxysmal phase is the most severe and can last from one to six weeks, sometimes stretching to ten weeks for some people. This stage features intense coughing episodes which can be particularly alarming for infants and young children.
The final stage, the convalescent phase, lasts about two to three weeks as coughing bouts lessen and symptoms begin to improve. However, even after recovering, people, particularly infants who haven’t completed vaccinations, remain at risk for other respiratory infections for months. Discussing the whooping cough vaccine with your child’s healthcare provider is crucial for preventing and managing this illness.
The bacteria Bordetella pertussis causes whooping cough, spreading easily through tiny droplets when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or even breathes nearby. You might also catch it by touching a surface contaminated with the bacteria and then touching your nose or mouth.
Once you have whooping cough, you’re contagious for about two weeks after the coughing starts. This is the period when you’re most likely to spread it to others.
If whooping cough symptoms appear, it’s important to visit a healthcare provider for testing and treatment. They can diagnose the condition using various tests and prescribe a treatment plan which often includes antibiotics and supportive care. In severe cases, especially in infants, hospitalization might be necessary. The treatment goals are to ease symptoms, prevent complications, and reduce the chance of spreading the infection.
Vaccination is the best way to protect against whooping cough. People who haven’t received the DTaP vaccine (for children) or the Tdap vaccine (for adults) are at higher risk of contracting the infection. Healthcare providers give the DTaP vaccine to young children as part of their routine vaccinations, while older children and adults are recommended a booster shot called Tdap.
If you’re living with someone who gets whooping cough, ask your healthcare provider about post-exposure antimicrobial prophylaxis. This medication can help prevent you from developing symptoms after exposure, especially if you’re unvaccinated.
Whooping cough can cause serious complications, particularly in babies and young children, and these can sometimes be life-threatening. If left untreated, the infection can lead to various complications specific to babies and young children, while adolescents and adults might experience different issues, such as severe coughing fits.
In short, whooping cough is a highly contagious infection affecting the lungs and throat, caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. Being vaccinated with the DTaP or Tdap vaccine significantly reduces the risk of catching it. The illness progresses through three stages: mild cold-like symptoms initially, then to severe coughing in the paroxysmal phase, and finally, recovery in the convalescent phase. It’s essential to see a healthcare provider promptly if symptoms appear, to get the right diagnosis, start treatment, and prevent spreading it to others.
