Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory ailment caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. When an infected individual coughs or sneezes, it spreads quickly via respiratory droplets. The virus most commonly affects newborns and young children, although it can also affect teenagers and adults. If left untreated, it can cause serious consequences, particularly in newborns. Early diagnosis and therapy are critical for successful disease management.

Symptoms of Whooping Cough
Causes of Whooping Cough
Whooping Cough Treatment
Whooping Cough Prevention
Myths and Facts About Whooping Cough
Did You Know?
Conclusion
When to Seek Professional Help
Frequently Asked Questions

Symptoms of Whooping Cough

The symptoms of whooping cough appear in stages. The early stage (catarrhal stage) looks like a typical cold, but the disease worsens over time.

1. Early Symptoms (First 1-2 Weeks):

Mild cough
Runny nose
Low-grade fever
Occasional sneezing

2. Progressive Symptoms (Paroxysmal Stage, 2-8 Weeks):

Severe, prolonged coughing fits
A “whooping” sound when inhaling after a coughing fit
Vomiting after coughing episodes
Difficulty breathing, especially in infants
Fatigue after severe coughing spells

3. Recovery Phase (Convalescent Stage, Weeks to Months):

Gradual decrease in coughing episodes
Lingering cough that lasts for weeks

Causes of Whooping Cough

Bordetella pertussis is a bacterium that clings to the respiratory tract's lining and generates toxins, causing whooping cough. These poisons harm the airway lining, resulting in inflammation and mucus buildup. The virus is spread by intimate contact with infected people via respiratory droplets.

Certain factors increase the risk of contracting whooping cough:

Lack of vaccination or incomplete immunisation
Close contact with an infected person
Weak immune system
Infants under six months (as they are not fully vaccinated)

Whooping Cough Treatment

Prompt treatment helps in reducing the severity and preventing the spread of whooping cough.

1. Medications:

Antibiotics: Azithromycin, clarithromycin, or erythromycin are commonly prescribed to eliminate the bacteria. They are most effective if given in the early stages.
Cough Suppressants: Generally, not recommended as they do not alleviate symptoms significantly.

2. Supportive Care:

Rest and hydration are essential for recovery.
The use of a humidifier can ease breathing difficulties.
Smaller, frequent meals help prevent vomiting after coughing fits.
Avoiding irritants like smoke, dust, and strong odours reduces coughing severity.

3. Hospitalisation:

Infants and young children with severe symptoms may require hospital care.
Oxygen support and monitoring are necessary if breathing becomes difficult.

Whooping Cough Prevention

Vaccination is the most effective strategy to avoid whooping cough. The DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) vaccination protects newborns and young children, while the Tdap booster gives ongoing protection in adolescents and adults.

1. Vaccination Schedule:

DTaP Vaccine: Given in five doses at 2, 4, 6, and 15-18 months, and again at 4-6 years.
Tdap Booster: Recommended at 11-12 years and during pregnancy (between 27-36 weeks) to protect newborns.

2. Other preventive measures include:

Practising good hygiene (covering the mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing)
Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
Regular handwashing with soap and water

Myths and Facts About Whooping Cough

Myth 1: Whooping cough only affects children.
Fact: Adults and teenagers can also get whooping cough, and they often spread it to infants who are more vulnerable.

Myth 2: If you have had whooping cough once, you are immune for life.
Fact: Immunity from infection or vaccination fades over time, requiring booster shots for continued protection.

Myth 3: Antibiotics completely stop coughing fits immediately.
Fact: Antibiotics kill the bacteria but do not instantly stop the cough. Symptoms gradually improve over time.

Myth 4: Vaccinated individuals cannot get whooping cough.
Fact: The vaccine reduces the risk and severity of the disease but does not provide 100% immunity.

Myth 5: Whooping cough is just a bad cough and not dangerous.
Fact: Whooping cough can cause serious complications such as pneumonia, brain damage, and even death, especially in infants.

Did You Know?

Did you know that neonates cannot be immunised against whooping cough? That is why pregnant women are encouraged to take the Tdap booster throughout pregnancy in order to confer passive immunity to their babies.
Did you know whooping cough was a top cause of newborn mortality before the vaccination was developed? Since vaccination campaigns began, cases have reduced considerably all over the world.

Conclusion

Whooping cough is a dangerous but preventable illness. Early detection, appropriate treatment, and vaccination are critical to mitigating its effects. Parents should ensure that their children are properly immunised, and adults should receive booster shots to preserve immunity. Controlling the spread of whooping cough relies heavily on public knowledge and prevention efforts.

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek medical attention if you or your child have persistent coughing fits, especially if they cause breathing difficulty, vomiting, or a "whooping" sound. Infants, young children, and older adults are at higher risk of complications.

Schedule a consultation today with our specialised Paediatric Pulmonology Department for advanced diagnosis and best treatment plans. Call us @08068617735

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