Is It Whooping Cough or a Cold?
Whooping cough generally lasts longer than a cold
Whooping cough generally lasts longer than a cold
A cold and whooping cough might seem alike in their initial stages. Both may start with a stuffy or runny nose, mild cough and sneezing. But while cold symptoms improve, whooping cough – also known as pertussis – usually gets worse with time.
Whooping cough is a very contagious respiratory infection. It causes severe coughing fits that can make a high-pitched whoop sound when gasping for air.
Pertussis cases are increasing in the United States and are reaching levels seen before the pandemic. It’s especially important now to know the signs of whooping cough.
“It may be hard to tell the difference at first but it’s vital to get medical help if you think it could be something like whooping cough,” says Mark Shalauta, MD, a family medicine physician at Scripps Clinic Rancho Bernardo.
“When in doubt, call your doctor’s office. Our job is to help you distinguish a common cold from something more serious,” he says.
Why is whooping cough on rise?
Cases of pertussis were lower than usual during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, most likely due to measures like masking and remote learning used during that time.
Reported cases are rising again in areas like San Diego County. Clusters of cases have been seen more often in elementary, middle and high schools. Tdap vaccination also dipped during the pandemic in the region, according to the California Department of Public Health.
Vaccination offers best protection
Vaccination is the best way to prevent pertussis.
Check with your doctor to see if everyone in your family is up to date with the appropriate number of DTaP (children under 7) or Tdap (adolescent and adult) vaccine doses. These vaccines also provide protection against tetanus and diphtheria.
Pregnant women should get vaccinated in the third trimester. By doing this, high levels of antibodies are passed to the baby before birth and help protect the baby against whooping cough in those first months of life.
Family members and others who will help care for the infant should also be up-to-date with their pertussis immunizations.
What causes whooping cough?
Whooping cough spreads easily by coughing and sneezing. It can affect anyone, but it is especially serious for babies and young children. Whooping cough can cause pneumonia, seizures, brain damage and death.
What are the symptoms of whooping cough?
The symptoms of whooping cough become more obvious after one or two weeks. The early mild signs that looked like a cold worsen and may include these symptoms:
- Uncontrolled coughing spasms, with rapid coughs followed by a whooping sound when inhaling
- Vomiting or gagging during or after coughing fits
- Exhaustion after coughing fits
The symptoms of whooping cough can be different depending on your age.
Babies may have a pause in breathing or apnea symptoms. Some babies may not cough but may turn blue because they can’t breathe well.
“If your child is having trouble breathing or has a blue color to his or her skin, call 911 immediately,” Dr. Shalauta says.
Older children might only have a runny nose and a low fever but then develop a persistent cough that can last for weeks or even months. It may lead to complications, like fainting or rib fractures from severe coughing.
Infection is usually milder in teens and adults who have received their pertussis vaccines. In most cases the cough does not last as long.
How is whooping cough diagnosed and treated?
Whooping cough is diagnosed through a physical exam and lab tests. Your doctor will also ask if you’ve been exposed to the illness and your symptoms.
The illness is usually treated with antibiotics. Rest, fluids and a humidifier to keep the air moist also help speed recovery. Over-the-counter cough remedies are not recommended. Infants and children with severe pertussis may have to be admitted to the hospital for treatment.
If you or someone in your family has been in contact with someone who has a confirmed diagnosis of whooping cough, antibiotics can be given to help prevent the disease.
“Check with your primary care doctor about post-exposure prophylaxis which may include a course of antibiotics to help prevent the disease,” Dr. Shalauta says.
Practice good hygiene
Keeping your hands clean is one of the most important ways to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Remember to wash your hands frequently with soap and clean running water.