Whooping cough (pertussis)

Overview

Whooping cough starts like a cold, then causes coughing fits that can last weeks.

Babies may not whoop and may have pauses in breathing instead.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Coughing fits
• Coughing fits with a whoop, or throwing up after coughing

Less common

• Whoop
• Vomiting after cough
• Exhaustion after coughing

Look up a symptom: Cough · Coughing fits with a whoop, or throwing up after coughing · Runny nose · Vomiting

When to get medical care

Causes

Bacteria.

Does it spread or run in families?

• Yes, it can spread from person to person.
• How it spreads: coughs or sneezes.
• Washing hands often and staying home when sick help protect others.

Who is more likely to get it

• Babies

Diagnosis

A nose swab.

Treatment

Treat.

Self-care

• Rest
• Fluids
• Keep babies away from coughing people

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To prevent:

• Vaccines

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a pulmonologist (lung doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Stay home until you've taken antibiotics for 5 days.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Pregnancy: Tdap shot in each pregnancy protects the baby.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Should family members get antibiotics?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Whooping cough (pertussis)