The most noticeable symptom of whooping cough, or pertussis, is a frightening, high-pitched “whooping” sound as people struggle for breath after uncontrollable and violent coughing fits. Cold-like symptoms, including a mild cough and fever, are usually the first signs of whooping cough. While symptoms of the common cold usually subside after a week or two, whooping cough can cause a series of severe coughing fits that continue for several weeks. These intense coughing fits can cause vomiting and fatigue.
Early Whooping Cough Symptoms
After becoming infected with whooping cough, it takes about seven to 10 days for signs and symptoms to appear, and sometimes longer. Early symptoms can last for one to two weeks and usually include the following:
Runny noseLow-grade feverMild, occasional coughA pause in breathing called apnea
Symptoms begin to worsen after about a week or two. A thick mucus accumulates inside your airways, causing uncontrollable coughing. These attacks may cause the following:
VomitingA red or blue faceExtreme fatigueA “whoop” sound during the next breath of air
Whooping Cough in Adults
In teens and adults who have been vaccinated for whooping cough, the “whoop” is often not there and the infection is generally less severe.
Whooping Cough in Children
Infants may have only a minimal cough or none at all, but they may struggle to breath or stop breathing all together.
Whooping Cough Diagnosis
Since symptoms of whooping cough can resemble those of the common cold, flu, and bronchitis, it can be difficult to diagnose. Your doctor may perform the following to determine if you have whooping cough:
Medical history of your signs and symptomsPhysical examLaboratory tests that take a sample of secretions from the area where the nose and throat meetBlood tests that check your white blood cell countChest X-ray to check for inflammation or fluid in the lungs, which can occur when pneumonia complicates whooping cough and other respiratory infections
