Symptoms of whooping cough also referred to as pertussis, typically appear within 5 to 10 days after the initial infection. Common symptoms of whooping cough include:
 
● Runny nose
● Low-grade fever
● Mild cough, which progresses to severe coughing spells
● Apnea (brief pauses in breathing)
● Rapid coughing fits that end in a “whooping” sound when breathing in
● Difficulty breathing
● Fatigue or exhaustion
● Vomiting or gagging during or after coughing fits
● Bluish or dusky color of the skin during coughing fits (cyanosis)
● Loss of consciousness or fainting during coughing fits
 
It is important to see a doctor if you suspect you have whooping cough, as it can be serious, especially for infants and young children. The typical “whoop” sound is not always present in many cases, especially in adults and older children, making it difficult to diagnose whooping cough. Your doctor will likely perform a physical examination, take a medical history, and may perform tests such as a nasopharyngeal swab or blood test to confirm a diagnosis of pertussis.

Whooping cough typically progresses through three stages:
 
● Catarrhal stage – Usually lasting 1 to 2 weeks, the catarrhal stage is characterized by mild symptoms such as a runny nose, low-grade fever, and mild coughing. At this stage, the illness may be mistaken for a cold or the flu.
● Paroxysmal stage – Typically lasting 4 to 6 weeks, the paroxysmal stage is characterized by severe coughing fits that end with a high-pitched “whoop” sound as the person takes a deep breath. Vomiting and exhaustion may also occur. This stage is when the illness is most contagious.
● Convalescent stage – This stage can last several weeks, and is characterized by a gradual improvement in symptoms. Coughing may still occur, but it is less severe and less frequent.
 
Not everyone infected with pertussis will experience all three stages, and some people may not exhibit the characteristic “whoop” sound. Additionally, the three stages can vary in duration.

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is caused by a bacterial infection and requires treatment with antibiotics. The antibiotics used for the treatment of pertussis are macrolides such as azithromycin and clarithromycin. It is important to start treatment as soon as possible, as antibiotics are most effective when given early in the course of the disease.
 
Left untreated, it can last for several weeks or even months. While the disease will eventually run its course, it can be very severe, especially for infants and young children. Severe whooping cough can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain damage, and even death. Therefore it is very important to seek medical attention if you suspect you or someone you know may have whooping cough. Proactive diagnosis and treatment can help to reduce the severity and duration of the illness, as well as prevent the spread of the disease to others.

It is important to see a doctor if you suspect you have whooping cough or if you have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with the disease. For children, whooping cough can be severe and even life-threatening. They may have difficulty eating, drinking, or breathing. The cough may be so severe that it can cause vomiting, and the child may turn blue from lack of oxygen. If an infant or young child has any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
 
In adults, whooping cough can cause long-lasting coughing fits and can make it difficult to perform daily activities. If you are an adult and suspect you have whooping cough, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
 
It is also crucial to see a doctor if you have not been vaccinated against pertussis and are considering getting vaccinated. The physician can provide you with more information about the vaccine and help you determine if it is appropriate for you. For more information call us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 5115 N Galloway Ave #203 Mesquite TX 75150. We serve patients from Mesquite TX, Garland TX, Dallas TX, Rowlett TX, Balch Springs TX, and Plano TX.