What Is Whooping Cough (Pertussis)?
Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a bacterial infection that affects the airways and lungs. Although it is often thought of as a childhood illness, adults can develop it too.
The infection usually begins with mild cold-like symptoms before turning into intense coughing spells. These coughing attacks can make it hard to breathe, sleep, or complete everyday activities.
Symptoms
Whooping cough spreads easily from person to person through coughing and sneezing. Adults may catch the illness if their vaccine protection has faded over time or after close contact with someone who is infected.
Symptoms often begin mildly and gradually become more severe. Common symptoms include:
- Runny nose or nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Mild fever
- Persistent cough
- Intense coughing fits
- Trouble catching your breath after coughing
- Vomiting after coughing episodes
- Exhaustion from repeated coughing
- Watery eyes
- A high-pitched “whooping” sound when breathing in after coughing
In some adults, the cough can last for several weeks. Severe coughing may also lead to rib pain, fainting, or pneumonia.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Healthcare providers diagnose whooping cough by reviewing your symptoms and listening to your breathing and cough pattern. Because the illness can resemble other respiratory infections, testing is often needed to confirm the diagnosis.
A provider may collect a sample from the nose or throat to check for the bacteria in a laboratory. Additional testing may be recommended if breathing problems or complications are present.
How Is It Treated?
Treatment usually starts with antibiotics, especially during the early stages of infection. Antibiotics can help reduce the spread of the illness and may lessen symptoms when started promptly.
Supportive care is also important during recovery. Your provider may recommend:
- Rest and staying hydrated
- Eating smaller meals throughout the day
- Avoiding smoke and other irritants
- Monitoring breathing and coughing symptoms
Some adults with severe symptoms or breathing complications may need hospital care. Even after treatment, the cough can continue for several weeks while the airways heal.
