Czkawka
Objawy

Krztusiec (czkawka) to wysoce zakaźna infekcja układu oddechowego wywołana przez Bordetella pertussis, charakteryzująca się trzema stadami klinicznymi: nieżytem (1-2 tygodnie), napadowym kaszlem (1-6, do 10 tygodni) oraz okresem zdrowienia trwającym kilka tygodni do miesięcy. Typowy przebieg choroby obejmuje napadowy, gwałtowny kaszel z charakterystycznym „świstem” podczas wdechu, wymioty i wyczerpanie po napadach. Całkowity czas trwania choroby wynosi zwykle 6-10 tygodni, ale może się wydłużyć do 3-4 miesięcy, co uzasadnia nazwę „kaszel stuodniowy”. U niemowląt poniżej 6 miesiąca życia przebieg może być atypowy, z epizodami bezdechu, sinicą i bradykardią, a ryzyko powikłań takich jak zapalenie płuc, encefalopatia czy zgon jest znacznie podwyższone. U starszych dzieci i dorosłych objawy są zwykle łagodniejsze, choć mogą obejmować przewlekły kaszel i powikłania mechaniczne, np. złamania żeber czy krwotoki podspojówkowe.

Czym jest czkawka (krztusiec)

Czkawka (krztusiec) to wysoce zakaźna choroba układu oddechowego wywołana przez bakterię Bordetella pertussis. Bakterie te przyczepiają się do nabłonka rzęskowego dróg oddechowych, wydzielając toksyny, które powodują uszkodzenie rzęsek i prowadzą do zapalenia, zwiększonej produkcji śluzu oraz intensywnego kaszlu12. Choroba ta może dotknąć osoby w każdym wieku, jednak jest szczególnie niebezpieczna dla niemowląt i małych dzieci34.

Stadia czkawki (krztuśca)

Przebieg kliniczny krztuśca zazwyczaj dzieli się na trzy charakterystyczne stadia56:

Stadium nieżytu dróg oddechowych (kataralny)

Pierwsze stadium krztuśca, trwające zazwyczaj 1-2 tygodnie, charakteryzuje się objawami podobnymi do przeziębienia78. Wśród typowych objawów można wymienić:

  • Katar lub zatkany nos79
  • Niewielką gorączkę (poniżej 38°C)710
  • Łagodny, sporadyczny kaszel1112
  • Kichanie1314
  • Łzawienie oczu1516

To stadium jest najbardziej zakaźne, ale często trudne do zdiagnozowania ze względu na podobieństwo do zwykłego przeziębienia1117.

Stadium napadowego kaszlu (paroksyzmalne)

Po około 1-2 tygodniach od wystąpienia pierwszych objawów następuje przejście do stadium napadowego, które może trwać od 1 do 6 tygodni, a czasem nawet do 10 tygodni187. Charakterystyczne objawy tego stadium to:

  • Napadowy, gwałtowny, niekontrolowany kaszel występujący w seriach (paroksyzmach)1918
  • Charakterystyczny „świst” (whoop) podczas wdechu po napadzie kaszlu – od tego pochodzi angielska nazwa choroby (whooping cough)1816
  • Wymioty podczas lub po napadach kaszlu205
  • Wyczerpanie po napadach kaszlu821
  • Sinica, zwłaszcza u małych dzieci2220
  • Odkrztuszanie gęstej wydzieliny2315

Napady kaszlu często nasilają się w nocy2425. Mogą być wyzwalane przez różne czynniki, takie jak karmienie, płacz, zabawa, zimne powietrze czy wysiłek fizyczny2627.

Stadium zdrowienia (rekonwalescencji)

Trzecie stadium to okres stopniowego ustępowania objawów1228. Charakteryzuje się tym, że:

  • Napady kaszlu stają się mniej intensywne i rzadsze929
  • Wymioty i charakterystyczny „świst” ustępują jako pierwsze1330
  • Kaszel często zmniejsza się około 6 tygodnia, ale może utrzymywać się od czasu do czasu przez kolejne 1-2 miesiące3018
  • Napady kaszlu mogą powracać przy kolejnych infekcjach dróg oddechowych, nawet wiele miesięcy po początkowym zachorowaniu3111

Pełny powrót do zdrowia może trwać wiele tygodni lub miesięcy, dlatego krztusiec bywa nazywany „kaszlem stuodniowym”3228.

Objawy czkawki (krztuśca) w różnych grupach wiekowych

Objawy u niemowląt

Krztusiec jest szczególnie niebezpieczny dla niemowląt poniżej 6 miesiąca życia3334. W tej grupie wiekowej objawy mogą być nietypowe i obejmować:

  • Brak charakterystycznego kaszlu lub bardzo łagodny kaszel711
  • Epizody bezdechu (groźne przerwy w oddychaniu)735
  • Sinicę (niebieskie lub szare zabarwienie skóry)3637
  • Trudności z oddychaniem2221
  • Problemy z karmieniem i połykaniem3839
  • Bradykardię (zwolnioną czynność serca)4041

U niemowląt krztusiec może prowadzić do poważnych powikłań, takich jak zapalenie płuc, drgawki, uszkodzenie mózgu, a nawet zgon842. Około jedna trzecia niemowląt poniżej 1 roku życia z krztuścem wymaga hospitalizacji4344.

Objawy u dzieci starszych

U starszych dzieci objawy krztuśca są zazwyczaj bardziej charakterystyczne i obejmują1245:

  • Napady gwałtownego kaszlu, często kończące się charakterystycznym „świstem”2226
  • Wymioty po napadach kaszlu4645
  • Wyczerpanie po napadach kaszlu1213
  • Problemy z oddychaniem, jedzeniem, piciem lub spaniem podczas napadów kaszlu3047
  • Zaczerwienienie twarzy lub sinica podczas napadów kaszlu2235

Objawy u młodzieży i dorosłych

U młodzieży i dorosłych objawy krztuśca są często łagodniejsze i mogą przypominać przewlekłe zapalenie oskrzeli535. Objawy mogą obejmować:

  • Przedłużający się, uporczywy kaszel, często bez charakterystycznego „świstu”1148
  • Nocne napady kaszlu4049
  • Wymioty po intensywnych napadach kaszlu4850
  • Wyczerpanie i zmęczenie1248
  • Trudności ze snem z powodu napadów kaszlu1248

U dorosłych mogą wystąpić dodatkowe komplikacje, takie jak złamania żeber, nietrzymanie moczu podczas kaszlu, omdlenia czy krwotoki podspojówkowe365051.

Przebieg czasowy czkawki (krztuśca)

Typowy przebieg czasowy krztuśca wygląda następująco2452:

  • Okres inkubacji: 5-10 dni po ekspozycji na bakterie (może trwać do 3 tygodni)5349
  • Stadium nieżytowe: 1-2 tygodnie z objawami przypominającymi przeziębienie714
  • Stadium napadowego kaszlu: 1-6 tygodni (może trwać do 10 tygodni) z intensywnymi napadami kaszlu187
  • Stadium zdrowienia: Trwa kilka tygodni do kilku miesięcy, z stopniowo ustępującymi objawami328

Całkowity czas trwania choroby wynosi zazwyczaj od 6 do 10 tygodni, ale może przedłużyć się nawet do 3-4 miesięcy5254. Kaszel może nawracać przy kolejnych infekcjach dróg oddechowych, nawet wiele miesięcy po początkowym zachorowaniu319.

Różnice w obrazie klinicznym u osób szczepionych

Obraz kliniczny krztuśca może różnić się u osób szczepionych. Szczepienie przeciwko krztuścowi wpływa na przebieg choroby w następujący sposób1128:

  • Choroba ma zwykle łagodniejszy przebieg4419
  • Charakterystyczny „świst” może nie występować1128
  • Kaszel może być krótszy i mniej intensywny1155
  • Objawy mogą przypominać zwykłe przeziębienie lub przewlekły kaszel1524

Mimo szczepienia, osoby zakażone bakterią Bordetella pertussis nadal mogą zarażać innych, choć ryzyko transmisji może być niższe4244.

Powikłania czkawki (krztuśca)

Krztusiec może prowadzić do różnych powikłań, szczególnie u niemowląt i małych dzieci438. Najczęstsze powikłania to:

Powikłania u niemowląt i małych dzieci

  • Zapalenie płuc (pneumonia)1130
  • Bezdech (apnea)735
  • Drgawki i encefalopatia (uszkodzenie mózgu)4051
  • Odwodnienie i utrata masy ciała839
  • Niewydolność oddechowa4056
  • Zgon – szczególnie u niemowląt poniżej 6 miesiąca życia5634

Powikłania u starszych dzieci, młodzieży i dorosłych

  • Zapalenie płuc5758
  • Złamania żeber spowodowane intensywnym kaszlem5028
  • Nietrzymanie moczu podczas kaszlu3651
  • Omdlenia (syncope) po napadach kaszlu548
  • Zapalenie ucha środkowego3659
  • Wybroczyny pod spojówkami lub na skórze560

Rozpoznanie czkawki (krztuśca)

Rozpoznanie krztuśca może być trudne, szczególnie we wczesnym stadium, gdy objawy przypominają przeziębienie487. Lekarze często nie podejrzewają krztuśca, dopóki nie pojawią się bardziej charakterystyczne objawy, takie jak napady kaszlu z charakterystycznym „świstem”761.

Rozpoznanie krztuśca powinno być rozważone w następujących sytuacjach6263:

  • Kaszel trwający ponad tydzień bez poprawy62
  • Napady kaszlu kończące się wymiotami, sinicy lub trudnościami w oddychaniu6348
  • Charakterystyczny „świst” po napadach kaszlu6163
  • Kontakt z osobą chorą na krztusiec64
  • U niemowląt: epizody bezdechu lub trudności z oddychaniem5637

Podsumowanie

Czkawka (krztusiec) to poważna, wysoce zakaźna choroba układu oddechowego, która charakteryzuje się napadowym kaszlem, często kończącym się charakterystycznym „świstem”. Choroba przebiega w trzech stadiach: nieżytowym, napadowym i zdrowienia. Całkowity czas trwania choroby wynosi zazwyczaj od 6 do 10 tygodni, ale może przedłużyć się nawet do 3-4 miesięcy, co uzasadnia określenie krztuśca jako „kaszlu stuodniowego”3228.

Objawy i przebieg choroby różnią się w zależności od wieku pacjenta i statusu szczepień. Krztusiec jest szczególnie niebezpieczny dla niemowląt poniżej 6 miesiąca życia, u których może prowadzić do poważnych powikłań, takich jak zapalenie płuc, bezdech, drgawki, uszkodzenie mózgu, a nawet zgon3442.

Wczesne rozpoznanie i leczenie krztuśca jest kluczowe dla zmniejszenia ryzyka powikłań i ograniczenia rozprzestrzeniania się choroby. W przypadku podejrzenia krztuśca, szczególnie u niemowląt i małych dzieci, należy natychmiast skonsultować się z lekarzem5663.

Kolejne rozdziały

Zapraszamy do dalszego czytania naszego leksykonu.

Wybierz kolejny rozdział z menu poniżej, aby otworzyć nową podstronę kompedium wiedzy i uzyskać szczegółowe informację o leku, substancji lub chorobie.

  1. 11.04.2026
  2. www.leksykon.com.pl

Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Whooping Cough | Pertussis | Symptoms of Whooping Cough
    https://www.apollohospitals.com/diseases-and-conditions/why-is-it-important-to-get-whooping-cough-treated-quickly
    Whooping cough can mimic the symptoms of any other respiratory illnesses, but some differentiating factors make it unique from others. […] The incubation period of the Whooping Cough is 7-10 days. The incubation period of whooping cough is the time duration for the symptoms to appear in an individual after he/she has been infected with the causative organism. […] In infants, the symptoms may appear differently as there might be no evidence of coughing, but there will be signs of shortness of breath or even a catch (sudden stoppage of breathing). […] The initial symptoms of Whooping Cough may present as any similar symptoms like the common cold or flu-like mild fever, running nose, teary eyes, nasal congestion, and dry cough. Later, as the disease progresses, the severity of the cough increases (up to 2 weeks) from a dry cough to a wet cough.
  • #2 Understanding Whooping Cough (Pertussis): Symptoms, Vaccination, and Treatment – Caroline County Health Department
    https://www.carolinehd.org/understanding-pertussis/
    Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that poses a significant public health concern, particularly for infants, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems. […] Understanding the signs and symptoms, the importance of vaccination, and available treatment options is essential for preventing the spread of whooping cough. The illness typically begins with symptoms similar to those of a common cold, including: A runny nose, Sneezing, Mild fever, A dry, occasional cough. […] After one to two weeks, the disease progresses to severe coughing fits, often followed by a high-pitched “whooping” sound as the person gasps for air. These coughing spells can be so intense that they cause vomiting, extreme fatigue, and difficulty breathing. The violent coughing can last for weeks and is often referred to as the “100-day cough.” While adults and older children may experience milder symptoms, infants are at a much higher risk of complications, such as pneumonia, apnea (pauses in breathing), or even death.
  • #3 Whooping cough | Gouvernement du Québec
    https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/whooping-cough
    Whooping cough is a highly contagious disease characterized by a severe, uncontrollable cough (coughing fits). […] In general, whooping cough begins with the following symptoms: Light fever, Runny nose, Red, watery eyes, Coughing. […] After 7 to 14 days the cough then intensifies and becomes more frequent. […] The fit of coughing is followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like a whoop. Hence the name whooping cough is given to the illness. Sometimes, the sufferer may then vomit or stop breathing for a few seconds. […] The illness is most serious in babies younger than 1 year. In babies less than 1 year old, the cough may be mild or absent. Sometimes, the main symptom is apnea, which is the repeated cessation of breathing. […] The symptoms usually appear 5 to 10 days, sometimes even 21 days, after contamination. Whooping cough lasts 6 to 10 weeks. However, in adolescents it can last longer than 10 weeks.
  • #4 Five Things to Know About Whooping Cough | American Lung Association
    https://www.lung.org/blog/whooping-cough
    Whooping cough most commonly affects babies and young children but can affect anyone at any age. […] Although pertussis usually starts with typical cold-like symptoms, it is often not diagnosed until after one to two weeks, when the illness progresses from a mild cough into the second stage of persistent and rapid coughing spells. This stage is known as the paroxysmal stage. […] The paroxysmal stage is categorized by violent coughing fits that often result in vomiting and is followed by a whooping sound. These coughing episodes may occur a few times a day up to several times an hour and are often worse at night and can interfere with sleep. This stage can last up to three months. […] Treatment after three weeks is unlikely to help because the bacteria are typically gone from your body despite still having symptoms. Coughing fits often persist for weeks because the bacteria have already caused damage.
  • #5 Pertussis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519008/
    Pertussis infection typically progresses through 3 distinct stages: the catarrhal phase, the paroxysmal phase, and the convalescent phase. The catarrhal phase presents similarly to other upper respiratory tract infections, with fever, fatigue, rhinorrhea, and conjunctival injection. It lasts 1 to 2 weeks and is the most infectious stage of the disease. The paroxysmal phase follows the catarrhal phase and is characterized by paroxysms of a staccato cough and the resolution of fever. The patient typically coughs repeatedly, followed by forceful inspiration, which creates the characteristic whoop. These episodes may be triggered by cold or noise and are more common at night. Patients are nontoxic-appearing between paroxysms, but may exhibit cyanosis, diaphoresis, or apnea during coughing episodes. Immediately following a paroxysm, patients may develop post-tussive emesis, syncope, or apnea.
  • #5 Pertussis – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519008/
    Finally, during the convalescent phase, a residual cough persists for weeks to months, usually triggered by exposure to another upper respiratory infection or irritant. Atypical presentations are common in infants, and fever may not occur. Rather, the presenting features may be tachypnea, apnea, cyanosis, and episodic bradycardia. Increased intrathoracic pressure from coughing may result in petechiae above the nipple line, subconjunctival hemorrhage, and epistaxis. Breath sounds are variable. Auscultation may reveal clear lungs or rhonchi, while rales suggest superimposed pneumonia. The inspiratory whoop or gasp is usually heard in children between 6 months and 5 years old.
  • #6 Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15661-whooping-cough-pertussis
    Whooping cough is a highly contagious upper respiratory infection that affects babies, children and adults of all ages. Early on, it might feel like a common cold. But after a week or two, a persistent cough develops. […] Symptoms of whooping cough start out cold-like and develop into a severe cough. This happens in stages. […] The first symptoms of whooping cough may seem like a common cold, but after a week or two, severe symptoms may develop. Symptoms of whooping cough (pertussis) range from fever to violent coughing episodes. […] Infants may struggle to breathe even if they never develop a cough. If your baby has a severe cough, has a bluish discoloration around their mouth and/or trouble breathing, seek emergency care right away. […] The three stages of whooping cough are: Common cold symptoms, Coughing fits, Gradual recovery.
  • #7 Symptoms of Whooping Cough | Whooping Cough | CDC
    https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/signs-symptoms/index.html
    Early symptoms of pertussis (whooping cough) can look like a common cold. […] Whooping cough appears similar to a common cold early on. Healthcare providers often don’t suspect or diagnose it until more severe symptoms appear. […] Early symptoms can last for 1 to 2 weeks and usually include: Runny or stuffed-up nose, Low-grade fever (less than 100.4F), Mild, occasional cough. […] Many babies with whooping cough don’t cough at all. Instead, they may have apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing). The apnea may cause cyanosis (to turn blue) or they may struggle to breathe. […] One to 2 weeks after the first symptoms start, people may develop paroxysms, known as coughing fits. These coughing fits usually last 1 to 6 weeks but can last for up to 10 weeks. The cough generally gets worse and becomes more common as the illness continues.
  • #8 Whooping Cough | Louisiana Department of Health
    https://www.ldh.la.gov/immunization-program/whooping-cough
    People with whooping cough commonly have severe coughing fits. This causes them to take deep breaths right after and make the whooping sound. […] Whooping cough symptoms usually develop within five to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria. However, it can be as long as three weeks before symptoms appear. […] In early stages, whooping cough can have cold-like symptoms. Because of this, healthcare professionals may not diagnose it until later stages. […] In babies, the cough may be minimal or not there at all. Babies may also have apnea a pause in their breathing pattern. […] After a week or two, the illness progresses and other symptoms appear. […] Fits of rapid coughs followed by deep inhales and a high-pitched whoop sound. […] Coughing fits may happen more frequently as the disease progresses. […] In babies, complications can be more severe and may include: Pneumonia (lung inflammation), Slowed or stopped breathing, Dehydration or weight loss from feeding difficulty, Seizures, Brain damage.
  • #9 Whooping Cough | Pertussis | Whooping Cough Symptoms | MedlinePlus
    https://medlineplus.gov/whoopingcough.html
    Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a respiratory infection that can cause coughing fits. In serious cases, the coughing can become violent and rapid. You may cough so hard that you vomit. The name of the disease comes from the whooping noise you might make when you try to breathe in after coughing. […] The symptoms of pertussis usually start within 5 to 10 days after you are exposed. But sometimes you may not get symptoms until up to 3 weeks later. […] Whooping cough usually starts with cold-like symptoms. They may last for 1 to 2 weeks and can include: Runny nose, Mild fever, Mild, occasional cough. […] As whopping cough gets worse, the symptoms may include: Fits of many, rapid coughs followed by a high-pitched „whoop” sound, Vomiting during or after coughing fits, Exhaustion after coughing fits.
  • #9 Whooping Cough | Pertussis | Whooping Cough Symptoms | MedlinePlus
    https://medlineplus.gov/whoopingcough.html
    The coughing fits get worse and start happening more often, especially at night. You may have them for up to 10 weeks or more. […] Recovery from this can happen slowly. Your cough gets milder and happens less often. The coughing fits can come back if you have another respiratory infection, even months after you first got whooping cough.
  • #10 How To Whip Whooping Cough | NIH News in Health
    https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/06/how-whip-whooping-cough
    Pertussis often starts with: A runny or stuffy nose, Sneezing, A mild cough, A pause in breathing (apnea) in infants. […] After 1 to 2 weeks: Coughing fits make it hard to breathe, eat, drink or sleep. Coughing may lead to vomiting or exhaustion. Rapid coughs may be followed by a high-pitched whooping sound. Babies and youngsters may turn blue from lack of oxygen.
  • #11 Clinical Features of Pertussis | Pertussis (Whooping Cough) | CDC
    https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/hcp/clinical-signs/index.html
    There are three stages of clinical pertussis: catarrhal, paroxysmal, and convalescent. […] In infants, apnea may be the only symptom and the cough may be minimal or absent. […] Healthcare providers often overlook pertussis in the differential diagnosis of cough illness in adolescents and adults. Illness is generally less severe, and the typical „whoop” less frequently seen in these populations. […] The illness can be milder and the characteristic paroxysmal cough and „whoop” may be absent in anyone who was previously vaccinated. […] Paroxysms often recur with subsequent respiratory infections for many months after pertussis onset. […] The most common complications in this age group are apnea (68%) and pneumonia (22%).
  • #12 Whooping Cough Symptoms | About Whooping Cough
    https://www.aboutwhoopingcough.com/whooping-cough-symptoms/
    Whooping cough is a highly contagious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis, bacteria that affect the lungs and airways. Understanding the symptoms of whooping cough can help people better protect themselves and those around them. […] Symptoms of whooping cough can change as the illness progresses and may be different in babies, young children, and adults. One of the most distinct symptoms is the loud, high-pitched whoop sound that may occur between coughing fits as you try to take in breaths. […] Whooping cough can start with cold-like symptoms: a runny nose or congestion, sneezing and mild cough, or mild fever. […] After one to two weeks, the cough can worsen due to thick mucus in the airways. Coughing fits usually become more frequent and get worse as the illness continues. Violent, uncontrollable coughing fits can go on to disrupt life for weeks or a couple of months.
  • #12 Whooping Cough Symptoms | About Whooping Cough
    https://www.aboutwhoopingcough.com/whooping-cough-symptoms/
    Whooping cough can cause severe illness in babies. In its early stages, it can look like the common cold, with symptoms like runny nose, mild fever, and occasional cough. […] In later stages of whooping cough, babies might have rapid coughing fits followed by a whoop sound and become exhausted afterward. But many young infants dont cough at all, or may also have a pause in breathing, called apnea, and turn blue. You should immediately call for emergency help if that happens. […] In its early stages, whooping cough symptoms can resemble those of a cold. However, whooping cough worsens with time, with symptoms that may become more serious. […] Whooping cough has three stages. How long whooping cough lasts can vary from person to person. Whooping cough symptoms may look different in children and adults. […] Stage 1: Runny nose, low-grade fever, mild, occasional cough. […] Stage 2: Fits of several rapid coughs, followed by whoop sound, vomiting or exhaustion after coughing fits. […] Stage 3: Recovery is gradual, coughing lessens, but fits of coughing may return.
  • #12 Whooping Cough Symptoms | About Whooping Cough
    https://www.aboutwhoopingcough.com/whooping-cough-symptoms/
    Patients may have sleep disruptions or difficulties sleeping for weeks to months due to coughing fits that often occur at night. […] In adults, early-stage whooping cough lasts one to two weeks and looks much like the common cold, with symptoms like runny nose, low-grade fever, and occasional cough. […] In its later stages, though complications are less serious in older adults, the violent coughing fits are sometimes followed by vomiting and exhaustion and can disrupt sleep for weeks to months. […] In children, early-stage whooping cough looks much like the common cold, with symptoms such as runny nose, mild fever, and occasional cough that last for one to two weeks. […] In later stages of whooping cough, children might have rapid coughing fits that follow with a whoop sound. Children will sometimes cough so much that they vomit and feel exhausted afterward.
  • #13 Pertussis (Whooping Cough) | Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
    https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/pertussis-whooping-cough
    The disease usually takes one to three weeks to develop, then progresses through three stages. The following are the most common symptoms of whooping cough, according to each stage. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include: […] First stage (often lasts one to two weeks): Mild cough, Low grade fever, Runny nose […] Second stage (may last for several weeks): Cough gets worse and comes in severe fits, Cough is dry and harsh, Cough ends with a whoop sound on inspiration, Newborns and young infants do not have the strength to develop a whoop sound and may have a hard time breathing, Child may vomit with the coughing and appear to be strangling on the vomit, Cough can be started by many factors, including feeding, crying, or playing […] Third stage (usually begins around the fourth week): Vomiting and the whooping cough cease first, The cough usually decreases around the sixth week, but may continue on occasion for the next one to 2 months. The symptoms of whooping cough may resemble other medical conditions. Always consult your child’s physician for a diagnosis.
  • #14 Whooping Cough (Pertussis): Symptoms & Causes | NewYork-Presbyterian
    https://www.nyp.org/primary-care/whooping-cough
    Whooping cough takes five to ten days to develop after a person comes into contact with the bacteria that cause it. This time before symptoms develop is called the incubation period. The illness then progresses in 3 stages. […] The 3 stages of whooping cough are: […] Early symptoms of whooping cough are similar to a common cold and include a runny or stuffy nose, a low fever, and occasional coughing. […] After one to two weeks of early symptoms, coughing becomes more severe and fits of rapid, violent, and uncontrolled coughing develop. […] Also called the convalescent stage, stage three marks the gradual recovery from whooping cough. Over two to three weeks, coughing lessens and eventually goes away. […] Whooping cough is hard diagnose in its early stage because the symptoms mimic those of the common cold: runny nose, low fever, and mild cough.
  • #15 Whooping cough (Pertussis) | Better Health Channel
    https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/whooping-cough
    Whooping cough (pertussis) is a very contagious respiratory infection. Symptoms of whooping cough include a blocked or runny nose, tiredness, mild fever and severe bouts of coughing, which are often followed by a 'whooping’ sound on inhalation. Whooping cough begins with symptoms similar to those of a cold such as a cough, tiredness, blocked or runny nose and low-grade fevers, which may last for one to 2 weeks. After these symptoms, the cough usually worsens to include: […] severe cough that can occur in bouts […] characteristic 'whooping’ sound on breathing […] vomiting at the end of a bout of coughing […] apnoea the child stops breathing for periods of time and may go blue. Other symptoms may include poor appetite, fatigue and dehydration. People may appear well between bouts of coughing. During the recovery period, the cough gradually decreases but can last up to 3 months. Babies under 6 months may not cough at all, instead they may stop breathing and turn blue, or have difficulties feeding and can choke or gag. In adolescence and adults, whooping cough may present as a non-specific persistent cough.
  • #15
  • #16 Whooping cough: Symptoms, causes, and vaccines
    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/257706
    Whooping cough symptoms usually appear 6-20 days after the Bordetella pertussis bacterium has infected the patient, in other words, pertussis has a 6-to-20 day incubation period. […] The illness starts off with mild symptoms, which then get much worse before improving. Initial signs and symptoms of pertussis are similar to those of the common cold: […] The above signs and symptoms are typical during the first week, after which, they become more severe. […] During the second paroxysmal stage, symptoms include: […] Severe bouts of coughing a bout can last a couple of minutes. Sometimes, each bout comes so soon after the last that the patient has cluster bouts that last for tens of minutes. There are typically 10-15 bouts each day. […] During a bout of coughing, the patient eventually gasps for air between coughs and also immediately after the bout is over, producing a whoop sound. This is less common in very young children and babies they may gag or gasp, or even stop breathing temporarily.
  • #17 Whooping Cough: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention | Shore Medical Center
    https://www.shoremedicalcenter.org/news/whooping-cough-symptoms-treatment-and-prevention
    Whooping cough progresses through three stages, each characterized by different symptoms: […] Symptoms: This initial stage resembles a common cold, with symptoms including a runny nose, sneezing, mild cough, and low-grade fever. The infection is most contagious during this phase. […] Symptoms: Severe and prolonged coughing fits are the hallmark of this stage. The coughs are rapid and consecutive, followed by a high-pitched „whoop” sound as the patient inhales. These coughing episodes can lead to vomiting, exhaustion, and difficulty breathing. Infants may not whoop but can experience apnea (pauses in breathing). […] Symptoms: The recovery phase involves a gradual reduction in coughing fits. However, episodes may recur with subsequent respiratory infections for months.
  • #18 Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15661-whooping-cough-pertussis
    The second stage usually lasts anywhere from one to six weeks. But it sometimes lasts as long as 10 weeks. During this stage, you have thick mucus in your airways and severe coughing fits (paroxysms). […] Coughing fits get more frequent before leveling off and then gradually going down in number. […] This stage lasts up to six weeks. During this time, you may have a mild cough that comes and goes, but you won’t have severe coughing fits like before. You’ll gradually cough less and less. […] Whooping cough gets its name from the whoop sound that some people make after coughing. If you’re coughing over and over, it can be difficult to catch your breath. When you finally take in some air, your efforts may come across as a high-pitched whoop or gasp. But not everyone with pertussis develops a whoop sound.
  • #19 Whooping cough on the rise: Symptoms, vaccines, what to know
    https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2025/04/16/whooping-cough-pertussis-symptoms-vaccines/83100298007/
    Whooping cough occurs in three distinct stages, according to the CDC. Symptoms vary based on the stage of infection, age of the person infected and vaccination status. […] The typical whooping cough infection can take 12 weeks to resolve from the time of symptom onset, though total resolution of symptoms could take months. […] The three stages of a whooping cough infection are the catarrhal phase (inflammation of the mucus membranes) that lasts for the first week or two. The second is the paroxysmal phase, characterized by a sudden, episodic increase of symptoms, especially cough, and can last six weeks. Finally is the convalescent phase, or recovery phase, that can last weeks or even months. […] Symptoms of whooping cough include: A common cold (also called Coryza), including typical symptoms of runny nose, sneezing and congestion. Low-grade fever. A mild, occasional cough that gradually becomes more severe. In infants, apnea, or a sudden interruption in breathing, is common. This may be the only symptom in some infants, who may not develop the signature cough. Sudden fits or attacks, known as paroxysms, of rapid coughs. Difficulty inhaling or „catching your breath” and a high-pitched „whoop” at the end of coughing fits. Cyanosis, or a blueish tint to the skin and mucus membranes, caused by inadequate oxygen in the blood. Exhaustion. Vomiting.
  • #19 Whooping cough on the rise: Symptoms, vaccines, what to know
    https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2025/04/16/whooping-cough-pertussis-symptoms-vaccines/83100298007/
    Recovery is usually a gradual process and most people will notice less persistent coughing and fewer coughing fits that disappear over the last two to three weeks of the infection. […] The course of the illness and its symptoms are often milder in people who have been vaccinated, and the characteristic cough and „whoop” may be absent.
  • #20 Whooping cough | NHS inform
    https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/whooping-cough/
    The first symptoms of whooping cough are similar to those of a cold, such as a runny nose, red and watery eyes, a sore throat, and a slightly raised temperature. […] Intense coughing bouts start about a week later. […] The bouts usually last a few minutes at a time and tend to be more common at night. […] Coughing usually brings up thick mucus and may be followed by vomiting. […] Between coughs, you or your child may gasp for breath this may cause a whoop sound, although not everyone has this. […] The strain of coughing can cause the face to become very red, and there may be some slight bleeding under the skin or in the eyes. […] Young children’s skin can sometimes briefly turn dusky, blue (cyanosis) if they have trouble breathing. […] In very young babies, the cough may not be particularly noticeable, but there may be brief periods where they stop breathing. […] The bouts will eventually start to become less severe and less frequent over time, but it may be a few months before they stop completely.
  • #21 Whooping Cough: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
    https://www.verywellhealth.com/whooping-cough-7508194
    Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium. It is transmitted through the air when a person with the infection coughs or sneezes. […] Its called whooping cough because of the distinct „whoop” sound a person makes when they breathe in after coughing. Individuals with whooping cough often experience severe, violent coughing fits. […] Symptoms of whooping cough typically develop within five to 10 days after a person comes in contact with the Bordetella pertussis bacterium. However, symptoms sometimes dont crop up for as long as three weeks or so. […] At first, the signs of whooping cough may look like nothing more than the common cold. However, as the infection progresses, it can cause its signature symptoms, such as: Trouble breathing, Violent coughing fits, A high-pitched whooping sound after a coughing episode, Tiredness or exhaustion after coughing, Vomiting during or after coughing, Apnea (a pause in breathing).
  • #22
    https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/Whooping-Cough.aspx?_gl=1*bt4jrr*_ga*MjAwMDA2NzAwMC4xNzQyNTEyMDAz*_ga_FD9D3XZVQQ*MTc0NDg0MzQ5Ni4yMy4wLjE3NDQ4NDM0OTYuMC4wLjA.
    Symptoms of whooping cough vary based age, medical conditions and whether the child is vaccinated against the disease. A main sign is strong coughing. Between coughs, children take deep, fast breaths. This can create the high-pitched „whooping” sound that gives the illness its name. The cough of pertussis has also been called the „100-day cough” because it may last for months. Sometimes, the cough returns with future respiratory infections. […] Whooping cough usually starts like a common cold and then gets worse after a week or two. Older children might make the „whoop” sound when they cough. This stage can last for two weeks or more. Your child might be short of breath and may have bluish or gray skin around their mouth. They may also tear, drool, or vomit. […] Symptoms in young infants may be different. For example, they may not cough at all. Instead, they may struggle to breathe or just stop breathing. Some have vomiting after a long bout of coughs.
  • #23 Pertussis – Infections – Merck Manual Consumer Version
    https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/infections/bacterial-infections-gram-negative-bacteria/pertussis
    Pertussis usually affects children and adolescents. […] Mild coldlike symptoms are followed by severe coughing fits, then gradual recovery. […] The illness begins about 7 to 10 days after exposure. If no complications develop, pertussis lasts about 6 to 10 weeks and progresses through 3 stages: […] Coldlike symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, loss of appetite, listlessness, a hacking cough at night, and a general feeling of illness (malaise). […] Coughing fits develop after 10 to 14 days. These fits typically consist of 5 or more rapidly consecutive forceful coughs, often followed by the whoop (a prolonged, high-pitched, deeply indrawn breath). […] The cough often produces large amounts of thick mucus (usually swallowed by infants and children or seen as large bubbles from the nose).
  • #24 Whooping cough – symptoms, treatment and prevention | Canadian Medical
    https://www.canadian.cz/en/articles-and-news/whooping-cough-symptoms-treatment-and-prevention/
    Whooping cough typically goes through several stages: catarrhal runny nose, low-grade fever, mild cough; paroxysmal coughing fits, with the typical gasping at the end of a fit; cyanosis and vomiting; convalescence gradual improvement of the cough, though this can take an additional 2-3 weeks. […] It is dangerous mainly for the risk group of newborns and infants, where it can present at the beginning with apnoea and coughing fits with associated cyanosis and vomiting. Bacterial pneumonia is a dreaded complication in up to 25% of children under the age of six months. […] If the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, it is treated with antibiotics for three weeks following the onset of symptoms in the case of adults, six weeks in the case of small children. […] Vaccination of children in early childhood is an effective means of prevention. Pregnant women can also be vaccinated to ensure the protection of newborns. Other measures consist in excluding infected persons from the group (for at least 48 hours after the start of treatment with antibiotics, or 21 days from the onset of symptoms in the case of untreated people) and antibiotic prophylaxis in the case of coming into contact with someone who is infected.
  • #24 Whooping cough – symptoms, treatment and prevention | Canadian Medical
    https://www.canadian.cz/en/articles-and-news/whooping-cough-symptoms-treatment-and-prevention/
    Vaccination is mandatory in children up to ten years of age. […] Regularly vaccinated children are protected by vaccination, but as is the case with every type of vaccination, protection is not 100%, but it can at least ensure a milder course of the disease. In the case of adults, vaccination is recommended for seniors.
  • #25 What is whooping cough and is there a vaccine? – UK Health Security Agency
    https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2024/04/12/what-is-whooping-cough-and-how-can-i-prevent-my-children-catching-it/
    The first symptoms of whooping cough are similar to a common cold, with a runny nose and a mild fever. After about a week or two, the characteristic cough develops with uncontrolled bouts of intense coughing that can last for several minutes, sometimes causing vomiting. Coughing is often worse overnight. Coughing fits can cause some people to make a distinctive „whooping” sound as they gasp for breath between coughs. […] Babies under 3 months old who are not fully protected through immunisation are at the highest risk of developing severe complications including pauses in breathing (apnoea), dehydration, pneumonia, or seizures.
  • #26 Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Symptoms, Treatment & When to See a Doctor | Nationwide Children’s Hospital
    https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/pertussis
    Pertussis is an infection of the respiratory system caused by germs (bacteria). It causes severe coughing that can be followed by a high-pitched whooping sound. […] There are usually 3 stages to pertussis: Stage 1 – For the first 2 to 7 days, your child will have symptoms of a cold, like a runny nose, sneezing, and a slight cough. There is little to no fever. Stage 2 – The next 7 to 13 days is when the 'whoop’ coughing may start. Some children may make choking sounds instead of whooping. This stage may last up to 6 weeks. Stage 3 – Your child may cough or 'whoop’ for weeks to months. […] Signs and Symptoms for Pertussis include: Choking, gagging, or can’t catch their breath while coughing; Bluish color in the face while coughing (cyanosis); Pauses in breathing (apnea); Throwing up (vomiting) after coughing; Coughing up large amounts of thick, stringy mucus; Coughing more often at night or just after waking up; Coughing spell that lasts over 1 minute.
  • #27 Whooping cough: www.infektionsschutz.de
    https://www.infektionsschutz.de/en/erregersteckbriefe/whooping-cough/
    A 610-week recovery phase then starts, as the coughing fits gradually grow less frequent. Cold air, physical exertion or cigarette smoke can trigger a dry cough for months afterwards, however. […] With young people and adults, the coughing phase often features more prolonged coughing, without the typical coughing fits. This atypical progression makes it difficult to recognise whooping cough. A risk of infection is then appreciably higher if the illness of the infected person is unidentified.
  • #28 Whooping cough – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whooping_cough
    About 50% of children and adults „whoop” at some point in diagnosed pertussis cases during the paroxysmal stage. This stage usually lasts up to 3 months, or sometimes longer. […] A gradual transition then occurs to the convalescent stage, which usually lasts one to four weeks. A decrease in paroxysms of coughing marks this stage, although paroxysms may occur with subsequent respiratory infection for many months after the onset of pertussis. […] Symptoms of pertussis can be variable, especially between immunized and non-immunized people. Immunized people can present with a milder infection; they may only have the paroxysmal cough for a couple of weeks and may lack the „whooping” characteristic.
  • #28 Whooping cough – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whooping_cough
    Initial symptoms are usually similar to those of the common cold with a runny nose, fever, and mild cough, but these are followed by two or three months of severe coughing fits. […] Following a fit of coughing, a high-pitched whoop sound or gasp may occur as the person breathes in. […] The violent coughing may last for 10 or more weeks, hence the phrase „100-day cough”. […] The cough may be so hard that it causes vomiting, rib fractures, and fatigue. […] Children less than one year old may have little or no cough and instead have periods when they cannot breathe. […] The illness usually starts with mild respiratory symptoms including mild coughing, sneezing, or a runny nose (known as the catarrhal stage). After one or two weeks, the coughing classically develops into uncontrollable fits, sometimes followed by a high-pitched „whoop” sound, as the person tries to inhale.
  • #29 Whooping Cough (Pertussis) in Babies | Pampers
    https://www.pampers.com/en-us/baby/health/article/whooping-cough
    Vomiting. Sometimes the coughing may lead to vomiting during or after the coughing fit. […] Exhaustion. The coughing fits can also result in extreme tiredness. […] Third stage. This is the recovery stage. Full recovery usually happens gradually over about two to three weeks, or sometimes even longer. During this time, there’s an increased risk of catching another kind of respiratory infection, but the coughing fits become less severe and less frequent.
  • #30 Whooping Cough (Pertussis) in Children | Cedars-Sinai
    https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions—pediatrics/w/whooping-cough-pertussis-in-children.html
    The first stage can last 1 to 2 weeks. Symptoms include: Mild cough, Low fever, Runny nose, For babies, a pause in breathing (apnea). […] The second stage may last for 1 to 6 weeks, but it can last up to 10 weeks. Symptoms include: Cough that gets worse and comes in severe fits, Cough that can be started by many factors, including feeding, crying, or playing, Cough that is dry and harsh, Cough that ends with a whoop sound when breathing in, Being very tired (exhausted) after coughing fits. […] The third stage (recovery) lasts weeks to months: Vomiting and the whooping cough stop first. The cough often decreases around week 6, but it may continue now and then for the next 1 to 2 months. […] In babies, the cough may be very hard to hear. Infants may have a pause in breathing (apnea) instead of a cough. If you notice this, call your child’s healthcare provider or take your child to the hospital right away. […] Whooping cough can lead to lung infection (pneumonia).
  • #30 Whooping Cough (Pertussis) in Children | Cedars-Sinai
    https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions—pediatrics/w/whooping-cough-pertussis-in-children.html
    Whooping cough (pertussis) is a contagious illness. It causes intense fits (paroxysms) of coughing. It mainly affects babies and young children. […] Whooping cough used to be called the 100-day cough because it can last for weeks or months. The illness often starts like the common cold, with a runny nose, sneezing, and a mild cough or fever. After 1 to 2 weeks, severe coughing starts. The cough often ends with a whooping sound as air is inhaled. During coughing spells, it’s hard for babies and children to eat, drink, or breathe. These spells can last for weeks. In babies, it may cause periods of not breathing (apnea). Whooping cough is worse for children younger than age 1. It’s fatal in some cases. […] Symptoms start about 1 to 3 weeks after contact with the bacteria. They occur in 3 stages.
  • #31 Symptoms of Whooping Cough | Whooping Cough | CDC
    https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/signs-symptoms/index.html
    Those who get these coughing fits say it’s the worst cough of their lives. […] Recovery can be slow with the cough becoming milder and less common over time. […] Coughing fits may stop for a while but can return with other respiratory infections. Coughing fits can return many months after the whooping cough illness started.
  • #32 What is the 100-day cough? | UNICEF Europe and Central Asia
    https://www.unicef.org/eca/stories/what-100-day-cough
    The nickname for whooping cough (or pertussis) says it all: Because of how long the respiratory infection can cause symptoms, whooping cough is often referred to as „the 100-day cough”. […] Whooping cough symptoms normally appear between a week and 10 days after being infected. They often include a runny nose and low-grade fever. The most signature symptom, however, is a coughing fit that ends with a distinctive „whooping” sound. […] Once contracted, the most effective treatment for whooping cough is antibiotics, which kill the bacteria causing the infection. But antibiotics may not always relieve symptoms. People with whooping cough also can be contagious for about three weeks. This means the infection often has a lot of time and opportunity to spread to other people. […] For either vaccination type, the risks of side effects must be weighed against the risks of contracting whooping cough, which can include pneumonia, brain damage and death.
  • #33 Whooping cough
    https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Whooping_cough/
    Whooping cough is a respiratory infection (infection of the lungs) that causes coughing. The coughing can occur in long spells, and often ends with a high-pitched 'whoop’ sound when the child breathes in. Whooping cough is extremely contagious. It is particularly serious in babies under six months of age, who are at risk of severe complications and will usually need to be admitted to hospital. […] Whooping cough usually starts with cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose and dry cough, which last for about one week. After that, a more definite cough develops, which may last for 10 weeks or more. The cough comes in long spells and often ends with a high-pitched 'whoop’ sound when the child breathes in. Some children cough so much they vomit afterwards. Children are usually well between coughing spells. Babies under six months of age may have pauses in breathing (called apnoeas) instead of a cough. In more severe cases, babies and children may have problems catching their breath after a coughing spell.
  • #34 Understanding and Preventing Pertussis: A Comprehensive Guide to Whoop
    https://www.kidsvillepeds.com/blog/1173601-understanding-and-preventing-pertussis-a-comprehensive-guide-to-whooping-cough/
    Infants under 6 months of age are at the highest risk of severe complications from whooping cough, including pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and even death. […] The first symptoms of whooping cough can look like those of a common cold. They typically include a runny nose, low-grade fever, and a mild cough. However, after 1-2 weeks, the cough worsens and becomes more severe. Children may experience sudden and intense coughing fits, followed by a distinctive whoop sound as they gasp for breath. Infants may not develop the characteristic whoop but may exhibit symptoms such as choking or vomiting after coughing. […] While whooping cough can affect individuals of any age, it is most severe in infants and young children who have not yet been fully vaccinated. Without the protection afforded by vaccination, young children are at greater risk of developing severe complications from whooping cough. Even in older children and adults, whooping cough can cause significant illness and discomfort, leading to missed school or work and a reduced quality of life.
  • #34 Understanding and Preventing Pertussis: A Comprehensive Guide to Whoop
    https://www.kidsvillepeds.com/blog/1173601-understanding-and-preventing-pertussis-a-comprehensive-guide-to-whooping-cough/
    The risk of death from whooping cough is highest in infants under 6 months of age, but it can also occur in older children and adults, especially those with underlying health conditions. Complications such as pneumonia, encephalopathy (brain inflammation), and respiratory failure can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
  • #35 Pertussis Symptoms and Diagnosis | American Lung Association
    https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/pertussis/symptoms-diagnosis
    Symptoms of pertussis start 7 to 10 days after being exposed and vary by age. They usually begin as cold-like symptoms including a runny nose, tearing eyes, fatigue and fever. It is not until the disease progresses that it can differentiate itself from other respiratory illnesses. […] Many babies with pertussis may not cough at all. They often instead stop breathing and turn blue, requiring emergency medical attention. […] After a week or two, children, teens and adults with pertussis may develop a harsh repetitive cough, sometimes accompanied by a whooping sound. This sound happens when all the air is gone from your lungs, and so you inhale as you cough, creating a whoop. […] These intense coughing spells will often result in loss of bladder control, vomiting and cause exhaustion, light-headedness and headaches. The lips and areas around the lips may even turn blue immediately after a coughing spell.
  • #35 Pertussis Symptoms and Diagnosis | American Lung Association
    https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/pertussis/symptoms-diagnosis
    The cough may be brought on by yawning, stretching, laughing, yelling or exercise. It may start by being more frequent at night, but the longer pertussis goes without treatment, the more common the fits will become until the disease runs its course, which can be several months. […] Symptoms of pertussis in adolescents and adults are often less severe than in infants and children, particularly if they were vaccinated as children. However, high risk individuals, including adults with asthma, may be at greater risk for complications.
  • #36 Whooping cough
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/whooping-cough/
    The first signs of whooping cough are similar to a cold, such as a runny nose and sore throat (a high temperature is uncommon). […] After about a week, you or your child: will get coughing bouts that last for a few minutes and are worse at night […] may make a „whoop” sound a gasp for breath between coughs (young babies and some adults may not „whoop”) […] may have difficulty breathing after a coughing bout and may turn blue or grey (young infants) […] may bring up a thick mucus, which can make you vomit […] may become very red in the face (more common in adults). The cough may last for several weeks or months. […] Whooping cough is less severe in older children and adults but coughing may cause problems including: sore ribs […] middle ear infections […] pee leaking out when you cough (urinary incontinence).
  • #37 Whooping Cough (Pertussis) and Your Child | Saint Luke’s Health System
    https://www.saintlukeskc.org/health-library/whooping-cough-pertussis-and-your-child
    At first, whooping cough seems like a common cold. Symptoms at that point include a runny nose, sneezing, mild fever, and a slight cough. […] The cough gets more severe 1 to 2 weeks later. The coughing often comes in attacks that last 1 minute or more and end with a high-pitched whoop. The intense coughing can cause a child to break a rib, vomit, turn blue, or even pass out. This stage can last 1 to 6 weeks or longer. […] Babies may not cough at all. Instead, they may have apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing) or struggle to breathe.
  • #38
    https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/whoopingcough
    Whooping cough usually starts like a cold with a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, a mild fever and an occasional cough. […] The cough typically gets worse and severe bouts of uncontrollable coughing can develop. Coughing bouts can be followed by vomiting, choking or taking a big gasping breath which causes a „whooping” sound. The cough can last for many weeks and can be worse at night. […] Some babies may not cough at all, but they can stop breathing completely and turn blue. Other babies may have difficulties feeding and can choke or gag. […] Older children and adults may just have a cough that doesnt go away. In adults the cough commonly lasts 5-7 weeks, sometimes longer. They may not have the whoop. […] Symptoms usually appear about 7 to 10 days after contact with someone who has whooping cough.
  • #39 Pertussis (whooping cough): symptoms – Canada.ca
    https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/immunization/vaccine-preventable-diseases/pertussis-whooping-cough/symptoms.html
    The first symptoms of pertussis may show up seven to 10 days after being infected with the bacteria but could appear up to 28 days after infection. Pertussis starts out with a mild fever, runny nose, red watery eyes and a cough. It leads to serious coughing fits that can last for two to 8 weeks. The coughing fits may cause difficulty breathing, choking and vomiting. […] For older children and adults, pertussis symptoms may be less severe. They may appear as cold-like symptoms with a constant cough that lasts longer than a week. […] Symptoms for infants include: severe cough (some do not cough), choking after coughing, feeding poorly, having difficulty breathing. […] Complications for infants can include: vomiting after coughing, weight loss, pneumonia, convulsions, brain damage.
  • #40 Whooping cough : symptoms, treatment, prevention – Institut Pasteur
    https://www.pasteur.fr/en/medical-center/disease-sheets/whooping-cough?language=fr
    Whooping cough is typically characterized by three phases: […] (1) an incubation period which is initially asymptomatic, followed by rhinorrhea (runny nose) lasting approximately two weeks; […] (2) a paroxysmal stage characterized by a persistent cough lasting over a week, in most cases without any fever. Bouts of coughing are combined with difficulty inhaling, and vomiting may occur after coughing fits. Infants may experience apnea, sometimes combined with bradycardia (slower than normal heart rate) or cyanosis (a bluish skin color) during coughing fits. In adolescents and adults, the symptoms are generally worse at night; […] (3) the third stage of whooping cough is the convalescent stage, which may last for several weeks. In young children, the main complications include pneumonia and neurological disorders (seizures or encephalitis). In infants, whooping cough can be extremely serious or even fatal, causing respiratory failure or multiple organ failure.
  • #41 Coughing Child? 3 Coughs to Know
    https://www.unitypoint.org/news-and-articles/coughing-child-3-coughs-to-know
    Paroxysmal stage (some studies suggest 6-10 weeks). Symptoms shift to severe coughing spells that can result in vomiting from coughing so hard. Infants can have episodes where they stop breathing (apnea), have low heart rates and poor feeding. […] Convalescent stage (2-3 weeks). Begins when the severe coughing fades, but infected individuals are at increased risk for respiratory complications if they catch another respiratory infection during this time. […] People with whooping cough can vary in presentation from no symptoms, to mild upper respiratory infection, to severe, persistent cough, Dr. Davis says. The degree of illness usually varies by age, with young infants being the most severely affected. […] Whooping cough can be deadly in infants. Babies younger than 12 months old are at high risk for severe complications, as they havent completed the vaccination series. Infants less than 6 months old usually require hospitalization when infected with pertussis.
  • #42 What to Know About Whooping Cough | TIME
    https://time.com/7278125/whooping-cough-what-to-know/
    Whooping cough is highly contagious. According to the Cleveland Clinic, someone who has whooping cough can spread it to others from the onset of symptoms until three weeks after they begin experiencing prolonged coughing fits. […] The vaccine can reduce a person’s risk of getting whooping cough or having severe complications if they do get infected, according to the Cleveland Clinic. […] Whooping cough is usually treated with antibiotics. The medication will help prevent a person who is infected from spreading whooping cough to others, according to the Cleveland Clinic. While it won’t prevent the coughing fits, if a person takes it early enough, it may make their symptoms less severe. […] According to the CDC, about a third of babies under age one who get infected with whooping cough need to be treated in a hospital. The agency’s data reveal that the most common complications for children younger than one are apnea pauses in breathing that can be life-threatening and pneumonia. One in 100 babies under the age of one will die from their complications, according to the CDC.
  • #43
    https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/Whooping-Cough.aspx?_gl=1*bt4jrr*_ga*MjAwMDA2NzAwMC4xNzQyNTEyMDAz*_ga_FD9D3XZVQQ*MTc0NDg0MzQ5Ni4yMy4wLjE3NDQ4NDM0OTYuMC4wLjA.
    Infants under one year of age have the most risk of infection and serious problems from whooping cough. About a third of infants with this infection are hospitalized. The infection can cause babies to become tired and run-down. It can also make them more at risk for other infections, including pneumonia (lung infection), and other complications like seizures. […] Whooping cough can be very serious in some infants, but typically they start to recover after two to four more weeks. Older children and adults with whooping cough may have milder symptoms.
  • #44 Whooping Cough (Pertussis) | Vermont Department of Health
    https://www.healthvermont.gov/disease-control/other-reportable-diseases/whooping-cough-pertussis
    Many babies with whooping cough don’t cough at all. Instead, they may have apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing). The apnea may cause cyanosis (to turn blue) or they may struggle to breathe. […] One to two weeks after the first symptoms start, people may develop paroxysms, known as coughing fits. These coughing fits usually last one to six weeks but can last for up to 10 weeks. The cough generally gets worse and becomes more common as the illness continues. […] Those who get these coughing fits say it’s the worst cough of their lives. […] About one in three babies younger than one year old who get whooping cough need care in the hospital. The younger the baby, the more likely they’ll need hospital treatment.
  • #44 Whooping Cough (Pertussis) | Vermont Department of Health
    https://www.healthvermont.gov/disease-control/other-reportable-diseases/whooping-cough-pertussis
    Whooping cough is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe. After fits of many coughs, someone with whooping cough often needs to take deep breaths which result in a „whooping” sound. […] Symptoms of whooping cough can vary for people based on their age and if they’ve been vaccinated or not. Whooping cough vaccines work well, but protection can fade overtime. People who are vaccinated can still get whooping cough, but their illness is generally milder. […] It usually takes five to 10 days for symptoms to appear after exposure to the bacteria that cause whooping cough. Sometimes it can take as long as three weeks to develop symptoms. Whooping cough appears similar to a common cold early on: Runny or stuffed up nose, Low-grade fever (less than 100.4F), Mild, occasional cough.
  • #45 Pertussis (Whooping cough) | Caring for kids
    https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/pertussis_whooping_cough
    Whooping cough is also known as pertussis because the main symptom is severe coughing. Coughing may be followed by a whoop sound before the next breath. It usually starts like a cold, with a very runny nose. After a few days, the typical coughing begins. Your child is already contagious when the cold-like symptoms start. The coughing can be so aggressive that children vomit or have trouble breathing. Many children keep themselves and their families awake because they cough so much in the night. The cough is usually severe for 2 to 3 weeks and then starts to get better. Some children will continue to have some coughing for several months after having pertussis, especially if they get a cold before they fully recover. […] Older children and teens usually only have a prolonged cough without the whoop sound. They can also have trouble breathing, vomit, or experience weight loss.
  • #46 Is It a Cold or Is It Whooping Cough? | Sutter Health
    https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/is-it-a-cold-or-is-it-whooping-cough
    At first it starts with a cold and a mild cough that doesnt go away. Then it gets worse especially at night and you find your child gasping for breath when they cough. […] Colds and pertussis begin with similar symptoms, so its hard to tell the difference at first. But whooping cough is a highly contagious disease that gets worse after a few weeks, while common colds improve. People develop uncontrollable coughing fits that make it hard to breathe. […] Pertussis starts with cold-like symptoms a runny nose, mild cough and perhaps a low fever. After one or two weeks, however, the disease can cause so much inflammation in the airways that a child has violent and rapid coughing fits, called paroxysms. Children struggle to breath in air, causing the whooping sound that gives the disease its common name. Many children also vomit during coughing fits. Rarely, a child can even pass out, fracture a rib or stop breathing during severe coughing. This violent cough can last two weeks or longer. […] Infants with pertussis dont always have the classic whooping cough. Instead they may have apnea, a pause in breathing. If a baby has cold symptoms and any difficulty breathing, get to the doctor.
  • #47 How To Whip Whooping Cough | NIH News in Health
    https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/06/how-whip-whooping-cough
    Whooping cough also known as pertussis causes uncontrollable coughing that makes it hard to catch your breath. […] Early signs of pertussis can be hard to spot. Symptoms usually begin quietly about a week after infection, with sniffles and sneezes that you might mistake for allergies or a mild cold. […] The next phase of pertussis begins about 10 days after infection. The major symptom is persistent, violent coughing. You might cough so hard that you throw up or struggle to breathe, says Dr. Xin-Xing Gu, an infectious disease expert at NIH. […] The coughing phase can last for 10 weeks or more. […] Whooping cough is most harmful to young children. Infants are at greatest risk, especially when they’re under 3 months of age too young to be protected by the vaccine, says Dr. Kathryn Edwards, a pediatrician and vaccine researcher at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Coughing spells can interrupt breathing, and little babies may turn blue. They can die from not getting their next breath.
  • #48 What Are the Signs of Whooping Cough in Adults?
    https://www.webmd.com/vaccines/whooping-cough-signs
    Two weeks on, if you have whooping cough, you might: Have fits of rapid coughing followed by a natural attempt to catch your breath. That’s when some people make a „whoop” sound. Vomit during or after coughing episodes, Feel very tired and exhausted after coughing, but seem well otherwise, Have a hard time breathing. Your cough might keep you up at night. The fits could be so severe that you may end up turning blue from lack of oxygen. You could even break a rib during a coughing fit. […] Adults and teenagers with whooping cough will have the long coughing fits with the high-pitched whooping sound at the end, mostly if they haven’t been vaccinated. If they’ve been vaccinated against whooping cough, their symptoms should be milder. […] After you get a diagnosis of whooping cough, your doctor will likely treat you with antibiotics. It might take 2 to 3 weeks for you to recover, during which time you will cough less, though you’ll still have some bouts of coughing. […] People sometimes call whooping cough the „100-day cough” because it lingers so long.
  • #48 What Are the Signs of Whooping Cough in Adults?
    https://www.webmd.com/vaccines/whooping-cough-signs
    Whooping cough gets its name from its most famous symptom a „whoop” sound you might make when you gasp for air at the end of a coughing fit. But it doesn’t happen in all adults, so it’s important to learn the range of symptoms you might get from a runny nose to a hacking cough that you can’t seem to shake. […] At first, whooping cough also called pertussis might seem like a regular, run-of-the mill cold, which is why doctors often don’t diagnose it as whooping cough right away. It may take 5-10 days after contact with the whooping cough bacteria to have any symptoms. It could even take as long as 3 weeks. Symptoms are divided between early and late stages. […] Early whooping cough symptoms mimic a common cold and include: Runny nose, Low-grade fever, Mild cough. Those problems often last a week or two, but the similarities with a cold end there. Most common colds wrap up in less than 2 weeks, but whooping cough will start to get worse.
  • #49 Frequently asked questions about whooping cough | Washington State Department of Health
    https://doh.wa.gov/you-and-your-family/illness-and-disease-z/whooping-cough/whooping-cough-faq
    Older kids and adults may only have a runny nose and low fever, followed by a persistent cough that can last for several weeks or months and is often worse at night. […] Symptoms usually start 5 to 21 days after exposure to whooping cough. Symptoms most commonly appear 7 to 10 days after exposure.
  • #50 Whooping Cough Is on the Rise. Here’s What You Should Know | School of Medicine
    https://medicine.tufts.edu/news-events/news/whooping-cough-rise-heres-what-you-should-know
    Whooping cough is a respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. Symptoms start out like a typical cold, with a runny nose, sore throat, and mild fever. But about a week later, an infected person will begin to experience violent coughing symptoms that tend to get worse over time, Doron said. Those coughing symptoms can last up to 10 weeks. […] The disease gets its name from the whooping sound some people make when trying to breathe air back into their lungs between coughing fits. Sometimes, especially for pregnant women, violent coughing fits can even break ribs. Children may also have fits of vomiting after their intense coughs. Its very disruptive to your daily life if youre having coughing fits throughout the day, Doron said. Its really quite awful. […] While adults and children dont typically have severe or life-threatening symptoms that require a visit to the hospital, infants can have so much difficulty breathing that they may turn blue and need to be hospitalized or put on a ventilator. About two thirds of infected infants younger than 12 months will have difficulty breathing (also known as apnea), while one third will need hospital treatment. If youre a parent of an infant, head to the emergency room if you notice changes to your babys breathing, such as abnormal pauses in breathing, if their skin becomes very pale, or if their lips start to turn blue.
  • #51 Whooping cough (pertussis) – symptoms, treatment and prevention | healthdirect
    https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/whooping-cough
    Whooping cough usually begins with cold-like symptoms including: runny nose, sneezing, mild dry cough, fever. […] After these mild symptoms appear, the cough worsens. The cough usually comes in long, uncontrollable bursts. This may happen at night, which may make it difficult for you to sleep. When the cough is severe, it may cause: vomiting, fainting, broken ribs, poor bladder control (urinary incontinence). […] Whooping cough’s most well-known symptom is the 'whoop’ sound. Taking a quick breath between bouts of coughing can cause this sound. Babies may not have a cough at all. But they can have episodes of turning blue or pauses in their breathing. […] Whooping cough can feel uncomfortable and last for a long time. After 1 to 2 weeks, the cold-like symptoms get better, but the cough gets worse. After 2 to 6 weeks, the cough begins to get better. But it can take weeks to months for the cough to go away completely. […] Most health problems due to whooping cough happen in babies and can cause long-term disability or death. Health problems include: lung infection (pneumonia), fits (seizures), brain damage (encephalopathy) due to breathing problems or seizures.
  • #52 Doctor Explains Information About Whooping Cough
    https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/mas/news/doctor-explains-information-about-whooping-cough-2546861
    Symptoms tend to unfold in stages. […] Stage 1: Symptoms may appear about 7-10 days after exposure. People may feel tired and have a mild cough, a runny nose and a low-grade fever. They may think they have the common cold. This stage usually lasts one to two weeks. […] Stage 2: In this stage, people with whooping cough start having coughing episodes, or fits of coughing, that are severe. They can cough so much that they vomit or pass out. Kids in this stage may have a cough that is followed by a high-pitched whoop sound as they gasp for air; babies may not cough but struggle to breathe. This stage could last one to two months. […] Stage 3: Stage 3 is the recovery phase, when symptoms start improving. […] In total, it can take three to four months from the onset of symptoms to feel completely better. That is why whooping cough is sometimes called the 100-day cough.
  • #53 Whooping cough – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whooping-cough/symptoms-causes/syc-20378973
    Once you become infected with whooping cough, it takes about 5 to 10 days for symptoms to start. Sometimes it takes up to three weeks. The symptoms often are mild at first. They may seem like those of a common cold. They can include: […] After a week or two, the symptoms become worse. Thick mucus builds up inside the airways. This causes rapid coughing that can’t be controlled. The cough can last for weeks or months, and it may be worse at night. Intense coughing attacks may cause: […] People with mild illnesses often don’t make the whooping sound. Sometimes, an ongoing hacking cough is the only symptom of whooping cough in teens and adults. […] Many babies with the illness don’t cough at all. Some babies and young children might. […] Call your healthcare professional if ongoing coughing spells cause you or your child to: […] Call 911 or your local emergency number right away if you or your child seems to struggle to breathe. Also call for emergency care if you notice pauses in breathing.
  • #54 Pertussis Information | Mount Sinai – New York
    https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/pertussis
    Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial disease that causes uncontrollable, violent coughing. The coughing can make it hard to breathe. A deep „whooping” sound is often heard when the person tries to take a breath. […] The symptoms of infection often last 6 weeks, but it can last as long as 10 weeks. […] Initial symptoms are similar to the common cold. In most cases, they develop about a week after exposure to the bacteria. Severe episodes of coughing start about 10 to 12 days later. In infants and young children, the coughing sometimes ends with a „whoop” noise. The sound is produced when the person tries to take a breath. The whoop noise is rare in infants under 6 months of age and in older children or adults. […] Coughing spells may lead to vomiting or a short loss of consciousness. Pertussis should always be considered when vomiting occurs with coughing. In infants, choking spells and long pauses in breathing are common. […] Other pertussis symptoms include: Runny nose, Slight fever, 102°F (38.9°C) or lower, Diarrhea.
  • #55 Whooping cough – Cause, symptoms & side effects – Babyjabs
    https://babyjabs.co.uk/whooping-cough/
    Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can cause a long-lasting and persistent cough and often results in a deep intake of breath between coughing that causes the distinct ‘whoop’ sound. The illness is relatively common, despite widespread vaccination, and most likely to cause complications in infants under the age of one. It is contagious for about two weeks. […] Whooping cough has three characteristic phases: The initial ‘catarrhal’ stage consists of a cough, runny nose and temperature – similar to a bad cold. This is typically followed after a week by uncontrollable spasms of coughing which, when severe, are separated only by the ‘whoop’ as the child forcefully breathes in between coughing bouts. This is described as the ‘paroxysmal’ stage. The final ‘resolution’ stage heralds an improvement in the child’s condition and the road to recovery, though this can take some time, which is why the disease is known in Japan and China as the ‘hundred-day cough’. […] Nowadays, most cases are relatively mild with less than half developing the characteristic ‘whoop’. Most children with whooping cough now only have what appears to be a bad cold followed by a cough, making the diagnosis easy to miss.
  • #56 Whooping Cough (Pertussis) Is on the Rise: What to Know > News > Yale Medicine
    https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/whooping-cough-pertussis
    For babies, however, many with pertussis dont cough at all. Instead, they may have apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing). […] According to the CDC, in rare cases, whooping cough can be deadly for babies. Up to 20 babies have died each year since 2010 from whooping cough in the U.S. […] Older children and adults can also develop complications, including pneumonia, but complications are usually less serious in these age groups, especially in those who have been vaccinated. […] Still, for all ages, Dr. Murray says its important to contact your doctor if you notice a cough that sounds different. If its episodes of a cough that are severe and difficult to stop, reach out to your health care provider, he says. You want to describe those symptoms, given that whooping cough is very contagious.
  • #57
    https://www.oregon.gov/oha/ph/diseasesconditions/diseasesaz/pages/pertussis.aspx
    Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a respiratory infection that spreads easily. Whooping cough is a concern for pregnant woman and infants because infants are at higher risk for severe disease that can make it difficult to breathe, so that hospital care is required. […] Whooping cough usually starts with cold-like symptoms. These include sneezing, runny nose, low-grade fever and a mild cough. Within two weeks, it causes fits of coughing so bad that it can be hard to catch your breath. The classic sign of pertussis is a „whooping” sound made at the end of an episode of violent coughing. This is what gives pertussis its common name of „whooping cough.” A thick, clear mucous may be coughed up. These episodes may recur for one to two months and are more frequent at night. […] Whooping cough can be serious even fatal for infants. Problems teens and adults may have include pneumonia, weight loss, loss of bladder control, passing out and rib fractures.
  • #58 Whooping Cough (Pertussis) in Adults | Cedars-Sinai
    https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/w/whooping-cough-pertussis-in-adults.html
    The disease starts like the common cold. First there is a runny nose or congestion, sneezing, and sometimes a mild cough or fever. Then, after 1 to 2 weeks, severe coughing starts. The coughing spells end with a whooping sound as air is breathed in. Talk with your healthcare provider or call 911 right away if you notice pauses in your breathing. […] Symptoms of whooping cough may include: Coughing violently and quickly, until all the air has left the lungs and a person is forced to inhale. This causes a whooping sound. […] Whooping cough can last up to 10 weeks or longer. It can lead to pneumonia and complications from severe coughing, such as fainting, rib fractures, or temporary loss of bladder control. […] The symptoms of whooping cough may look like other health conditions. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. […] Whooping cough can last 10 weeks or more. It can lead to pneumonia and other complications.
  • #59 Whooping cough (pertussis) factsheet | The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network
    https://www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/whooping-cough-pertussis-factsheet
    Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a bacterial lung infection that leads to intense coughing. […] One of the main signs of whooping cough is a long, forceful period of coughing with a high-pitched whoop sound when breathing in. […] Whooping cough symptoms will usually develop in two stages. […] The coughing begins, and your child may make a „whoop” noise. Your child may appear well in between episodes of coughing. […] This stage can last over ten weeks, depending on your child’s sick. […] Forceful coughing and infection can also cause: vomiting, tightening in the chest, difficulty breathing and catching their breath, pneumonia, scleral haemorrhage – redness or blood spots in the whites of the eye, dehydration, middle ear infections. […] Call your local doctor or go to your nearest emergency department If your child is showing signs like rapid breathing, noisy breathing, difficulty breathing. […] Antibiotics can treat whooping cough when caught early, before three weeks. They can help reduce the seriousness of symptoms and the risk of spreading whooping cough to others. […] Babies under six months of age will usually need treatment in a hospital as whooping cough can be life-threatening.
  • #60
    https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/whooping-cough-babies-and-children/symptoms/
    Whooping cough usually starts with cold-like symptoms. […] Intense coughing starts about a week later. […] The cough might be harder to notice in young babies, but they may have short periods when they stop breathing. […] Your child may: gasp for breath between coughs, causing a 'whoop’ sound – but not everyone has this; get very red in the face from coughing, and have slight bleeding under the skin or in the eyes; briefly turn blue if they have trouble breathing; have a sore throat, ribs and tummy muscles from coughing. […] The cough will get better over time, but it may take a few months before it stops completely.
  • #61 Whooping Cough (Pertussis) – NFID
    https://www.nfid.org/infectious-disease/whooping-cough/
    Whooping cough is a highly contagious and serious infection that causes coughing spells that are so severe that it can be hard to breathe, eat, or sleep. […] The classic symptom is a whoop, the sound of someone gasping for breath during a bad coughing spell. But you can have the infection without the whoop. Whooping cough can be spread before symptoms appear. It can be tough to diagnose because early symptoms may appear like the common cold or bronchitis. […] Whooping cough causes coughing spells that can affect breathing, eating, and sleeping. The infection can even lead to cracked ribs and hospitalization.
  • #62 Pertussis (whooping cough) Guide: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options
    https://www.drugs.com/health-guide/pertussis-whooping-cough.html
    On average, symptoms begin about 7 to 10 days after the pertussis bacteria enter your body. Initial symptoms usually resemble the common cold. Other symptoms may include: […] Infants under 6 months of age, adolescents and adults may have a cough that lasts many weeks without the characteristic whooping sound. If you have a cough that lasts more than a week without improvement, contact your doctor. […] If you have whooping cough, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics are most effective in the early stages of the infection. You will no longer be contagious after about five days of antibiotics. However, your cough may continue for weeks even if you have taken antibiotics. […] In older children and adults, the outlook is generally very good. It may take a few months for the cough to entirely clear up. Infants need careful monitoring to avoid complications.
  • #63 Whooping Cough on the Rise: What Parents Need to Know
    https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/healthu/2024/11/07/whooping-cough-on-the-rise-what-parents-need-to-know
    If a health care provider suspects whooping cough especially in a child with a persistent cough they might start treatment before confirming the diagnosis to minimize the risk of spreading the infection. […] The good news is that whooping cough is easily treated with antibiotics, usually a five-day course of erythromycin. Azithromycin and clarithromycin are other treatment options. Once treated, the person is generally no longer contagious after they take the full course of medication. […] But the key is starting it early to prevent complications and reduce the risk of transmission. […] The takeaway is that any prolonged cough should not be ignored, urges Dr. Ruderfer. Parents should be aware of the distinct, whooping sound that can occur, and if they hear it, they need to get their child seen by a health care provider.
  • #63 Whooping Cough on the Rise: What Parents Need to Know
    https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/healthu/2024/11/07/whooping-cough-on-the-rise-what-parents-need-to-know
    Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is on the rise, and it’s more than just a typical cough it can be life-threatening, especially for infants. […] Whooping cough can be particularly dangerous for infants under one year of age, explains Dr. Ruderfer. Their coughing fits can be so severe that they struggle to breathe, which can lead to complications like brain damage or even death in some cases. […] Beyond the distinct whooping sound during coughing fits, symptoms vary significantly based on the age and health of the person. Its symptoms often resemble those of a common cold or other respiratory illnesses, making diagnosis more challenging. […] In toddlers, you might see prolonged coughing spells where the child appears otherwise happy and active, but has these intermittent, intense bouts of coughing, says Dr. Ruderfer. He adds that these coughing fits can last for up to three months, earning the disease the nickname the 100-day cough.
  • #64 Pasadena Public Health Confirms One Case of Whooping Cough in Resident – Updated – Office of the City Manager
    https://www.cityofpasadena.net/city-manager/news/pasadena-public-health-confirms-one-case-of-whooping-cough-in-resident/
    PASADENA, Calif. — Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) has received confirmation of one case of whooping cough (pertussis) in a Pasadena resident. […] Symptoms usually appear 5 to 21 days after exposure. Early signs resemble a cold (sneezing, runny nose, mild cough), and usually a low-grade fever (less than 100.4° F) but the cough becomes more severe over 1 to 2 weeks. Severe coughing fits may cause gasping (“whooping”), vomiting, or trouble breathing. Infants may not cough but turn red or blue, gag, or stop breathing. […] The resident had symptoms consistent with a cold that began prior to visiting Kidspace Children’s Museum, resulting in a potential exposure for others to the illness. […] Monitor for symptoms in your household, especially in children, for up to 21 days. […] Be alert to worsening cough or breathing issues, especially in young children or infants. […] Contact your healthcare provider if anyone develops a persistent cough or cold symptoms. […] Testing and early treatment with antibiotics can treat the infection and prevent the spread of whooping cough.