Whooping cough is caused by Bordetella pertussis and is very contagious. It can affect anyone, but babies are at the biggest risk. At Liv Hospital, we stress the need to spot early signs and symptoms of whooping cough quickly.
The first symptoms of whooping cough can seem like a cold. They start 5 to 10 days after you get infected. But, it can take up to 3 weeks to show. , early signs include a runny nose, stuffy nose, red eyes, fever, and cough.
Key Takeaways
- Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis.
- Early symptoms resemble a common cold and appear 5 to 10 days after exposure.
- Symptoms can worsen over time, leading to severe coughing fits.
- Infants are at the highest risk and may exhibit different symptoms, such as apnea or difficulty breathing.
- Timely diagnosis is key for effective treatment and preventing complications.
Understanding Pertussis Symptoms and Progression
It’s important to know the symptoms and how pertussis progresses. This helps in early diagnosis and treatment. Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a contagious illness that goes through different stages.
The Catarrhal Stage: Initial Cold-Like Symptoms
The first stage, the catarrhal stage, lasts about 1 to 2 weeks. It starts with symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and a low fever. You might also cough a bit.
Medical Expert, a leading epidemiologist, says, “The catarrhal stage can be tricky because it feels like a common cold. This makes it hard to diagnose early.”
The Paroxysmal Stage: Characteristic Coughing Fits
After the catarrhal stage, pertussis moves to the paroxysmal stage. Here, the cough gets worse and lasts longer, sometimes up to 3 months. You might hear a high-pitched sound when you gasp for air.
This stage is the hardest part. Coughing fits get worse at night.
“The coughing fits during the paroxysmal stage can be incredibly violent, leading to complications such as rib fractures and pneumothorax.”
The Convalescent Stage: Gradual Recovery
The final stage is the convalescent stage. It’s when you start to get better. Even though the cough might not go away, it gets less severe.
Getting better takes time. It’s important to know that symptoms can last longer.
| Stage | Duration | Symptoms |
| Catarrhal | 1-2 weeks | Cold-like symptoms, mild cough |
| Paroxysmal | 1-3 months | Severe coughing fits, whooping sound |
| Convalescent | Varies | Gradual recovery, lingering cough |
How Whooping Cough Presents in Different Age Groups
It’s important to know how whooping cough shows up in different ages. This helps doctors diagnose and treat it right. Whooping cough, or pertussis, looks different in kids, teens, and adults. This makes it hard to spot without knowing the signs for each age.
Pertussis Symptoms in Newborns and Infants
Newborns and young babies face the biggest risks from pertussis. They don’t usually sound like they have whooping cough. Instead, they might stop breathing, have trouble breathing, or turn blue because they don’t get enough oxygen. The Centers for Disease Control and say babies under 12 months are at high risk for serious problems like pneumonia and even death.
We need to watch for these signs in newborns and babies. They can get very sick even if they don’t cough like usual.
Signs of Whooping Cough in Children and Teens
Older kids and teens usually cough a lot and might make the “whoop” sound. But, how bad the symptoms are can depend on if they’ve had the vaccine. Vaccinated kids might not show as many symptoms, making it hard to tell if they have it just by looking.
The table below shows what pertussis looks like in different ages:
| Age Group | Typical Symptoms | Complications |
| Newborns and Infants | Apnea, breathing difficulties, cyanosis | Pneumonia, apnea, death |
| Children and Teens | Coughing fits, “whoop” sound | Pneumonia, rib fractures |
| Adults | Persistent cough, fatigue | Urinary incontinence, rib fractures |
Whooping Cough in Adults: Often Misdiagnosed
In adults, pertussis can cause a long cough without the “whoop.” They might also feel very tired. Even though they’ve been vaccinated, adults can get pertussis. The symptoms are usually not as bad, but it’s often mistaken for other colds.
We should think about pertussis when adults have a long cough. This is true if they’ve been around someone with it or work in healthcare.
Conclusion: Vaccination Protection and When to Seek Medical Care
Vaccination is key to preventing whooping cough. Booster shots are vital for keeping immunity strong, mainly in teens and adults. Even with vaccination, people can sometimes get the disease.
It’s important to know that vaccine protection fades over time. That’s why booster shots are advised for pre-teens and pregnant women. They help protect against the disease and pass immunity to newborns. It’s critical to know when to seek medical care, mainly for high-risk groups like infants and those with health issues.
If you’re showing symptoms of pertussis, like severe coughing fits, or think your child has whooping cough, see a doctor quickly. Early treatment can prevent serious problems and stop the disease from spreading. We must watch for pertussis symptoms in infants and babies, as they are more at risk.
Understanding vaccine protection and knowing when to get medical help is key. It helps keep you and your loved ones safe. If you’re worried about your vaccination status or symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider. They can guide you on the best steps to take.
FAQ:
Can you get pertussis even if you’re vaccinated?
Yes, you can get pertussis even with a vaccine. But, the vaccine makes the illness less severe and shorter. Getting booster shots is key to keep your immunity up, across all ages.
How do you know if you have whooping cough?
Whooping cough is known for intense coughing fits and a high-pitched sound, called a whoop. At first, it might seem like a cold, making it hard to diagnose early.
Do you run a fever with whooping cough?
Usually, whooping cough doesn’t cause a high fever. Early on, you might have a mild fever, but it’s not a main symptom.
What are the early symptoms of whooping cough in newborns?
Newborns and babies might not cough like adults do. Instead, they might stop breathing or turn blue. It’s important to watch for these signs.
What are the symptoms of whooping cough in teens?
Teens might cough a lot, like in typical whooping cough. How bad the symptoms are can depend on if they’re vaccinated.
What are the symptoms of pertussis in newborns?
Newborns might not cough like adults do. They might stop breathing or turn blue. It’s hard to diagnose because they don’t cough like adults.
What are the early signs and symptoms of whooping cough?
Early signs are like a cold, with a runny nose, sneezing, and a mild cough. These start 5 to 10 days after you’re exposed.
What are the symptoms of whooping cough in adults?
Adults might have milder symptoms, but it can be serious. It’s often mistaken for other colds because it’s similar.
Can you get whooping cough if you’re vaccinated?
Yes, you can get whooping cough even with a vaccine. But, the vaccine makes it less severe. Getting booster shots is important to keep your immunity up.
What are the signs of whooping cough in adults?
Adults might have severe coughing fits. The whooping sound is less common. It’s often mistaken for other colds because it’s similar.
What are the signs of whooping cough in babies?
Babies might not cough like adults do. They might stop breathing or turn blue. It’s important to watch for these signs, even if they don’t cough.
How do you know if you have pertussis?
Doctors diagnose it by listening for the coughing fits and whooping sound. They also do tests to find the bacteria.
References:
World Health Organization. Evidence-Based Medical Guidance. Retrieved from
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/pertussis
