Whooping Cough: Symptoms, Risks, Treatment & When to Get Help

Pertussis is a bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis, which attaches to the lining of the airways and releases toxins that irritate the respiratory tract. This irritation leads to intense, uncontrollable coughing fits that can last for weeks.

The name “whooping cough” comes from the high-pitched “whoop” sound that some people make when inhaling after a coughing spell—more common in children than adults.

Pertussis spreads easily through:

• coughing and sneezing

• close contact

• shared air in small indoor spaces

Adults often catch it from children—or pass it to infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated.

⚠️ Early Symptoms (Week 1–2): Often Confused with a Cold

During the early “catarrhal stage,” symptoms look mild:

• runny or stuffy nose

• mild cough

• low fever

• occasional sneezing

• fatigue

This is also when the infection is most contagious.

Because symptoms are so subtle, many people do not realize they have pertussis yet.

😮‍💨 Later Symptoms (Week 2–6+): The Classic Coughing Fits

In the “paroxysmal stage,” symptoms intensify:

• severe coughing fits

• vomiting after coughing

• difficulty catching breath

• nighttime coughing episodes

• exhaustion after fits

• a “whoop” sound when breathing in (more common in kids)

These coughs can last 6–10 weeks, earning pertussis the nickname “the 100-day cough.”

Infants under 6 months can develop:

• pauses in breathing (apnea)

• dehydration

• pneumonia

• seizures

Whooping cough can be life-threatening for newborns, which is why vaccination during pregnancy is so crucial.

The Tdap and DTaP vaccines protect against pertussis. They are recommended for:

• pregnant individuals (3rd trimester)

• children

• teens (booster needed)

• adults who haven’t had a Tdap booster

If it's been more than 10 years since your last Tdap, you need an update.

Whooping cough is treated with antibiotics, ideally early in the infection. While antibiotics may not completely stop the cough once the paroxysmal stage begins, they reduce contagiousness and shorten the duration of symptoms.

Other supportive care includes:

• using a humidifier

• staying hydrated

• small, frequent meals

• resting

• avoiding smoke exposure

• using prescribed medications for cough or breathing difficulty (when appropriate)

Get help right away if you or your child has:

• persistent coughing fits

• inability to catch breath

• vomiting from coughing

• bluish lips or face

• pauses in breathing

• dehydration

• severe fatigue

Adults often overlook pertussis as “just a bad cough,” but early treatment prevents spread and complications.

CallOnDoc makes it easy to get timely care when coughing becomes overwhelming. Our providers can:

• evaluate symptoms

• prescribe antibiotics if appropriate

• offer guidance for nighttime coughing

• provide care plans for infants or high-risk family members

• recommend prevention steps for your household

Fast access to treatment matters with pertussis — and we’re here to help you breathe easier.