Symptoms of Whooping Cough

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium. Although it affects people of all ages, whooping cough can be especially dangerous for infants and young children. Recognizing the symptoms early plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of this illness and seeking timely treatment.

The tricky part about whooping cough is that its early symptoms often resemble those of the common cold such as a runny nose, mild fever, and a slight cough making it easy to overlook or misdiagnose in its initial stage. As the disease progresses, however, it can lead to severe, uncontrollable coughing fits that cause breathing difficulties, vomiting, and even rib fractures in some cases. In infants, it can be life-threatening, especially if not diagnosed and treated in time.

What is Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough is a bacterial infection that affects the lining of the airways and throat. The infection leads to severe bouts of coughing that can make it difficult to breathe. It gets its name from the “whoop” sound often heard when a person breathes in sharply after a coughing fit.

Though vaccines like DTaP (for children) and Tdap (for adolescents and adults) have reduced the prevalence of pertussis significantly, outbreaks still occur. Infants under six months and those who haven’t completed the full vaccination series are most at risk for complications.

Symptoms of Whooping Cough

The symptoms of whooping cough don’t appear all at once. Instead, the disease typically unfolds in three distinct stages: the catarrhal stage, the paroxysmal stage, and the convalescent stage. Each phase presents with different signs and degrees of severity.

1. Catarrhal Stage: Early Cold-Like Symptoms :- The first stage of whooping cough, known as the catarrhal stage, lasts for 1–2 weeks and often resembles a common cold. Because of its mild symptoms, it can be difficult to diagnose at this point.Common signs in this early stage include :-
   • Runny nose
   • Sneezing
   • Mild cough
   • Low-grade fever
   • Occasional watery eyes
   • Fatigue and general feeling of illness

   Although these symptoms seem minor, this is the most contagious phase of the disease. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, the condition can quickly progress into more severe coughing spells.

2. Paroxysmal Stage: Severe and Repetitive Coughing :- The paroxysmal stage is the hallmark phase of whooping cough and can last from 1 to 6 weeks or even longer in some cases. This is when the infection reveals its characteristic symptom: violent coughing fits followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound during inhalation.Symptoms during this stage may include :-
   • Repeated, intense coughing spells that are hard to stop
   • The whooping noise after coughing (more common in children than adults)
   • Vomiting or gagging after coughing
   • Facial redness or turning blue due to lack of oxygen during fits
   • Exhaustion after a coughing episode
   • Difficulty catching breath between coughs

   The coughing fits tend to be worse at night and may cause sleep disturbances. In some cases, particularly in infants, the “whoop” sound may not be present. Instead, babies may experience apnea (a temporary pause in breathing), which can be life-threatening.

3. Convalescent Stage: Gradual Recovery :- The final phase, known as the convalescent stage, can last for weeks to months. While the most severe symptoms usually subside, occasional coughing fits may still occur. These episodes gradually lessen in intensity and frequency over time.Patients in this stage typically experience :-
   • Less frequent coughing
   • Gradual improvement in breathing
   • Fatigue from prolonged illness
   • Increased susceptibility to other respiratory infections during recovery

   It’s important to remember that even though the person may be feeling better, they might still be contagious during the early part of this stage. Proper hygiene and limited contact with vulnerable populations (like infants and the elderly) are still necessary.

Additional Symptoms in Infants and Young Children

In infants, whooping cough can be much more dangerous and harder to detect. Some babies may not cough at all but instead may experience :-

1. Apnea (pauses in breathing)

2. Cyanosis (bluish skin around lips and fingertips)

3. Poor feeding

4. Seizures (in severe cases)

5. High levels of irritability or discomfort

Because infants are at a higher risk for severe complications like pneumonia, brain damage, and even death, any unusual respiratory symptoms should prompt immediate medical evaluation.

When to See a Doctor?

If you or your child is experiencing persistent coughing spells especially if they are accompanied by vomiting, difficulty breathing, or a whooping sound seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment can help reduce the severity and duration of the illness, and help prevent spreading the infection to others.

For infants under 12 months, any signs of apnea, bluish skin, poor feeding, or lethargy are medical emergencies and require urgent care.

How to Differentiate Whooping Cough from Other Conditions?

Whooping cough may resemble other respiratory illnesses like the common cold, bronchitis, or asthma in its early stages. However, the violent and repetitive coughing fits, followed by gasping for air, are what set pertussis apart.

Unlike seasonal coughs, whooping cough is more persistent and can last for weeks or even months. It also does not typically respond to over the counter cough medicines. Getting a proper diagnosis through a throat swab or blood test is crucial to ensure the right treatment.

Conclusion

Whooping cough remains a serious public health concern, especially for infants, unvaccinated children, and immunocompromised individuals. Recognizing the early symptoms of whooping cough, particularly during the mild catarrhal stage, can help you seek timely medical treatment and reduce the spread of this contagious disease.