Whooping cough, also known as pertussis or 100-day cough, is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. It can easily spread from one person to another, primarily through coughing or sneezing.
While anyone can get it, children under 1 year of age are most vulnerable to it and can develop serious complications if not treated well. The word whooping came from the high-pitched whoop sound made when a person breathes in after a coughing fit.
Although primarily seen in children, adults can also get infected, especially those whose vaccine shots have faded. Now that we have understood what whooping cough is, it’s important to check for the symptoms of whooping cough and it’s remedies.
What are the Symptoms of Whooping Cough?
The symptoms of whooping cough could take up to 5 or 10 days to appear. As these symptoms develop in stages, it may also take longer for them to be visible. The early symptoms include:
- Running and stuffy nose
- Watery eyes
- Mild Fever
- Occasional cough
These symptoms often resemble a common cold, making it difficult to diagnose. As the infection worsens, the thick mucus builds up inside the airways. The symptoms in this progressive stage include:
- Rapid coughing
- Vomiting
- A red or blue face during coughing
- Fatigue
- A high pitched whoop sound
It is a possibility that children might not develop these symptoms, so look out for:
- Breathing difficulty in children
- Blue or purple nail, lip, or skin
- Apnea, or pauses in breathing
Now that we have looked at the symptoms, let’s understand how whooping cough progresses through its stages.
Stages of Whooping Cough
Whooping cough includes three stages as follows:
- Catarrhal Stage: In this stage, symptoms are more like a common cold, such as a runny nose, sneezing or a mild cough.
- Paroxysmal Stage: Here, the symptoms get severe and include frequent coughing fits followed by a “whoop.”
- Convalescent Stage: This stage is a gradual recovery stage that takes over weeks to months.
What are the Causes of Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough is caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. This bacteria damages the lining of your airways, causing inflammation and mucus build-up, further leading to cough. As whooping cough is contagious, it can be caused by tiny droplets spread by an infectious person through coughing. It usually takes 5 to 10 days for the symptoms to be visible.
Complications of Whooping Cough
Especially in infants, complications can include:
- Pneumonia
- Seizures
- Brain damage
- Dehydration
- Weight loss due to vomiting
Can I prevent Whooping Cough?
Yes, whooping cough can be prevented through the pertussis vaccine. This vaccine reduces the risk of getting infected and having severe symptoms. The DTaP vaccine is commonly designed for infants and young children and helps prevent whooping cough.
A series of 5 doses is typically recommended, given at 2, 4, and 6 months; 15-18 months; and 4-6 years. Note that it is important to consult your doctor before getting the vaccine.
Similarly, TDaP is another vaccine used for older children and adults to provide protection against whooping cough. Also, pregnant women are advised to get a Tdap shot during the third trimester to help protect the newborn from whooping cough in their first few months of life.
How to Manage Symptoms of Whooping Cough?
You can follow these quick tips to manage the symptoms of whooping cough.
- Take plenty of rest. That would heal your body.
- Drink a sufficient amount of water and stay hydrated.
- Eat small meals to reduce vomiting and uneasiness.
- Avoid places that can have dust particles or chemical fumes.
- Practice good hand hygiene and wash your hands often.
When should I Consult the Doctor?
If you are feeling uneasy or the symptoms worsen, contact your doctor. If you or your child were exposed to whooping cough or are showing any symptoms such as fever or vomiting and are not up to date on the vaccine, you may visit your healthcare provider.
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Conclusion
Whooping cough, though preventable, can pose a serious risk, especially to infants and young children. Recognizing its symptoms and understanding its stages can help with timely diagnosis and treatment.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the illness and limit its spread. If you or your child show symptoms like persistent coughing or breathing difficulty, consult a doctor without delay. Early intervention can make a significant difference in recovery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is whooping cough called?
Whooping cough is also known as pertussis. It can be a serious illness for both children and adults, causing the most effect on children.
How to stop whooping cough at night?
To reduce coughing at night, you can try honey, saltwater gargling, cough drops, herbal tea, and drinking ample amounts of water to stay hydrated. If the symptoms are getting worse, consult your doctor. Also, avoid giving honey to children under 1 year.
What are the three stages of whooping cough?
The three stages of whooping cough are the catarrhal stage, the paroxysmal stage, and the convalescent stage. The catarrhal stage is similar to a common cold, whereas in the paroxysmal stage you may encounter uncontrollable coughing fits with a whooping sound. In the third stage, you can see the gradual decrease in coughing frequency.
Can you get whooping cough after being vaccinated?
Yes, it is possible to get whooping cough after being vaccinated. Vaccine does not provide 100% protection but can reduce the severity of illness. You may encounter mild symptoms if you came in contact with bacteria.
How long is contagious whooping cough?
If a person addresses symptoms like a cold, they can be contagious and can remain so for up to 3 weeks. After 5 full days of treatment, the person will not spread the germs.
What antibiotic is used for whooping cough?
The primary antibiotics used to treat whooping cough are azithromycin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin. These are macrolide antibiotics that are effective against the bacteria that cause whooping cough, Bordetella pertussis. However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before getting any antibiotics.
What is the test for whooping cough?
A few tests your doctor might recommend for whooping cough include a nasal swab test, polymerase chain reaction or PCR test, blood test and chest X-ray test.
What is whooping cough vaccine?
The pertussis vaccine, often given in combination with diphtheria and tetanus vaccines (DTaP or Tdap), protects against whooping cough, a respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.
When to get whooping cough vaccine?
Whooping cough vaccine is recommended for both children and adults. Children can get the vaccine at the age of 7, 11, and 12, whereas for an adult, it is advisable to have the vaccine shot every 10 years.
How long does whooping cough last?
Whooping cough may last from 1 to 6 weeks to around 3 months, depending on the treatment provided.
