Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. Whooping cough is known for the severe, uncontrollable fits of coughing that can last for months.
The characteristic sound of whooping cough is a “whooping” sound made when a person takes a breath between fits of coughing. The sound of whooping cough has been described as a “hacking” or “crowing” noise.
In younger children, whooping cough can lead to episodes of violent coughing that can make it difficult to breathe. During the fits of coughing, a person may make a “whooping” sound when inhaling, which is a distinctive feature of the disease.
The sound of the “whoop” during an attack of coughing can last anywhere from several seconds or up to one minute and can be heard before the person becomes exhausted. In some cases, the classic “whoop” sound can be absent and the disease can be harder to diagnose.
Table of Contents
How do u know if you have whooping cough?
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is an infection of the respiratory tract caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. Signs and symptoms of whooping cough typically develop within 5 to 10 days after exposure, but may not appear for up to three weeks.
Because the initial symptoms of whooping cough are similar to those of other respiratory illnesses, the only definitive way to know if you have whooping cough is to be tested by a medical professional.
Common symptoms of whooping cough include a persistent cough that lasts for weeks or months and has a “whooping” sound when you take a breath in, frequent vomiting after coughing fits, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and wheezing.
Infants with whooping cough may have trouble eating, appear to be blue while coughing, and have pauses between breaths. If you think you might have whooping cough, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
Your healthcare provider may be able to confirm a diagnosis with a physical examination, lab tests, a throat culture, or a nasopharyngeal swab. Treatment for whooping cough typically includes antibiotics and rest.
Vaccination can help prevent whooping cough and its complications. If you think you or your child may have whooping cough, contact your doctor right away.
Can whooping cough go away on its own?
No, whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that requires medical treatment. Without treatment, whooping cough can last for up to 10 weeks, and can even be fatal in young children, infants, and those with weakened immune systems.
While some people may experience a decrease in symptoms after a few weeks, the infection could continue to linger and relapse. In addition, even if the infection resolves on its own, the individual can still be contagious and spread the infection to others.
Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention right away if you think you may have contracted whooping cough. Treatment usually includes antibiotics and can help alleviate some of the symptoms and reduce the duration of illness.
What are the 3 stages of whooping cough?
The three stages of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, are the catarrhal stage, the paroxysmal stage, and the convalescent stage.
The catarrhal stage is the first stage of whooping cough and typically lasts for about 1 to 2 weeks. During this stage, the individual may experience symptoms such as a runny nose, mild fever, and a mild, occasional cough.
It is during this phase of the illness that individuals are most contagious.
The next stage is known as the paroxysmal stage, which is characterized by severe coughing fits. The coughing fits are often accompanied by the typical “whoop” sound, hence the name for the illness. During this stage, the individual may experience difficulties breathing, exhaustion, and vomiting.
On average, this stage lasts for about 2 to 6 weeks.
The last stage of pertussis is the convalescent stage. In this stage, the coughing fits and other symptoms of the illness gradually improve and eventually resolve. In general, the convalescent stage can last up to several weeks or even months.
However, in some cases the coughing fits may persist for even longer periods of time.
When should you go to the ER for whooping cough?
If you think that you have whooping cough, you should go to the ER as soon as possible. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory system. It is especially dangerous for infants, young children, and people with compromised immune systems.
Symptoms may include a long-lasting cough, seizures, difficulty breathing, and exhaustion. If left untreated, whooping cough can cause permanent disability or even death. In the ER, you will be evaluated for whooping cough and may receive antibiotics to fight the infection.
If the whooping cough is severe, the ER may provide supplemental oxygen, intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration, and medications to reduce coughing and improve breathing.
Is whooping cough an emergency?
Yes, whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is an emergency and should be treated as soon as possible. As a bacterial infection, it can cause severe coughing spells and can even be life-threatening in some cases.
The infection is highly contagious, making immunization and prompt treatment important in preventing its spread. Early symptoms of whooping cough include a runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever, and a mild, occasional cough.
As the infection progresses, the cough becomes more severe, with extreme episodes of coughing, followed by a high-pitched whoop sound and gasping for air. In infants, this can cause gagging, turning blue, and vomiting.
If a person does not receive appropriate medical treatment, the infection can lead to pneumonia, seizures, and even death. If you suspect you or another person has whooping cough, it is important to seek medical care immediately.
What happens if whooping cough goes untreated?
If whooping cough (pertussis) goes untreated, the infection can last for several weeks or months. Symptoms can become more severe and lead to serious health complications, especially in infants and young children.
The most common complications of whooping cough include: pneumonia, middle ear infection, hypotension (low blood pressure caused by severe coughing episodes) or dehydration from excessive vomiting. In extreme cases, whooping cough can lead to permanent neurological disability or even death, especially if it is not treated promptly.
Additionally, there is potential for complications to arise due to dehydration or exhaustion from the coughing episodes, as well as concerns regarding potential secondary infections, such as bacterial superinfection.
It is therefore important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, but in some cases steroids, breathing treatments, and even hospitalization may be necessary.
Seeking treatment promptly ensures that further complications are avoided and that whooping cough can be treated effectively.
Can whooping cough be treated at home?
Yes, it is possible to treat whooping cough at home, though it is important to understand that the primary treatment for whooping cough is typically antibiotics. These antibiotics can help to reduce the severity of the illness and stop it from spreading to others.
In addition, there are plenty of home remedies that can help to ease the symptoms of whooping cough and provide relief from coughing fits. These remedies include drinking plenty of fluids, taking a warm shower or bath to help break up mucus and open the airways, staying away from pollutants, and getting plenty of rest.
Other home treatments for whooping cough include honey, throat lozenges, and saltwater gargles. While these treatments help to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms, people should speak with their doctor about the safest and most effective treatment for their particular case.
How long does whooping cough last if untreated?
If whooping cough, or pertussis, is left untreated, the effects can last for several weeks or months. Symptoms start out mild but may become more severe as the bacteria multiplies. The cough may wax and wane, but it can last for several weeks or even months without treatment.
During this time, a person may experience spasms of rapid, forceful coughing that can make it difficult to catch their breath and leave them with a “whooping” sound when they take a deep breath in. This coughing can cause gagging, vomiting, and overly tiredness, especially during outbreaks of the disease.
It can lead to a severe lack of energy, dehydration, weight loss and weakness, as well as difficulty concentrating due to the constant coughing. Treatment is available to stop the bacteria from spreading and to alleviate symptoms.
Treatment includes antibiotics, fluids and rest. It is important to get treatment as soon as possible for the best outcome.
How can you tell the difference between a whooping cough and a cough?
The main distinguishing factor between a whooping cough and a regular cough is the characteristic whoop sound that is typically heard in whooping cough as the person tries to inhale after a coughing fit.
While a regular cough can also be characterized by a dry cough, wheeze, a wet ‘hacking’ cough, or a barking cough, none of these sounds is characteristic of the whoop sound heard in whooping cough. Other differences between a whooping cough and a regular cough include the fact that whooping cough lasts for a much longer period of time, usually 1-2 months, compared to a regular cough which generally resolves within a few weeks.
Additionally, unlike regular coughs, whooping cough produces thick mucus that can be difficult to clear from the throat and lungs. Finally, whooping cough usually causes a fever, recurring cough episodes, and exhaustion, making it difficult for the person to breath and even speak, which does not typically occur with a regular cough.
Does whooping cough feel like a tickle in your throat?
No, whooping cough does not feel like a tickle in the throat. Whooping cough, or pertussis, is an infectious respiratory illness that is caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. Symptoms of whooping cough typically begin with a runny nose, low-grade fever, and a mild cough that gradually gets worse with fits of coughing, followed by a high pitched “whoop” sound.
This is why it is also referred to as whooping cough. During the individual coughing fits, it can become difficult to take a breath, which can lead to a significant lack of oxygen in the body. This can cause fatigue, lightheadedness and dizziness, and in severe cases, it can cause a person to pass out.
In addition to this, whooping cough can cause a severe sore throat, chest pain, and can even make it difficult to eat or drink. All in all, whooping cough does not feel like a tickle in the throat and can be a very serious illness.
Why do I have a dry cough?
A dry cough is one that does not produce any phlegm or mucus, and it can be caused by a variety of things. Common causes of a dry cough include allergies, asthma, irritants in the air, postnasal drip, and acid reflux.
Allergies and asthma can trigger your airways to become irritated and cause a dry cough. Depending on the season and your environment, it may become more pronounced due to exposure to irritants, like dust, pet dander, and pollen.
If you have allergies, this could be making your dry cough worse. Postnasal drip is when extra mucus runs down the back of your throat, and its subsequent irritation can lead to a dry cough. Lastly, acid reflux can cause stomach acid to rise and enter your throat, resulting in a dry cough.
If you believe you are having any of the issues associated with dry coughs, it’s best to visit a medical professional and be evaluated by a doctor to determine the underlying cause and provide treatment.
What is a dry and tickly cough?
A dry and tickly cough typically involves a repetitive, irritating sensation in the throat which leads to coughing. This type of cough is often caused by irritants such as dust particles, pollen, smoke, or chemical fumes.
Other causes may include allergies, asthma, a cold virus, or a sinus infection.
The type of cough is characterized by a dry, sore throat that may cause a feeling of tightness or tickling. Sufferers may experience coughing fits and wheezing in the chest, and an uncomfortable feeling at the back of the throat.
Treating dry and tickly coughs can and should begin at home, with plenty of rest, a good diet and warm fluids or herbal teas. To further reduce symptoms, over-the-counter cough medicine and cough drops may provide temporary relief.
If coughing persists, you may want to consult a doctor who may prescribe antibiotics or corticosteroids.
