What happens if you have whooping cough?

Symptoms of whooping cough

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways. It is characterized by severe coughing fits that can make it difficult to breathe.

The symptoms of whooping cough typically develop in three stages:

1. Catarrhal stage: This stage lasts for about 1-2 weeks and is characterized by mild cold-like symptoms, such as:

- Runny nose

- Sneezing

- Mild cough

- Low-grade fever

- Tiredness

- Loss of appetite

2. Paroxysmal stage: This stage lasts for about 2-4 weeks and is characterized by severe coughing fits. These coughing fits can occur multiple times a day and can be so severe that they cause vomiting, difficulty breathing, and exhaustion. The coughing fits are often followed by a high-pitched "whoop" sound, which is how the condition gets its name.

3. Convalescent stage: This stage can last for several weeks or even months. During this stage, the coughing fits gradually become less severe and less frequent. However, people can still be contagious during this stage.

Complications of whooping cough

Whooping cough can lead to a number of complications, including:

- Pneumonia: Whooping cough can cause inflammation and infection of the lungs, leading to pneumonia.

- Encephalopathy: Whooping cough can cause inflammation of the brain, leading to encephalopathy.

- Respiratory failure: Severe whooping cough can lead to respiratory failure, which can be fatal.

- Death: Whooping cough can be fatal, especially in infants and young children.

Treatment for whooping cough

There is no specific cure for whooping cough, but treatment can help to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. Treatment options include:

- Antibiotics: Antibiotics are used to kill the bacteria that cause whooping cough.

- Cough suppressants: Cough suppressants can be used to help reduce coughing fits.

- Oxygen therapy: Oxygen therapy may be necessary for people with severe whooping cough who are having difficulty breathing.

- Hospitalization: Hospitalization may be necessary for people with severe whooping cough who need close monitoring and treatment.

Prevention of whooping cough

The best way to prevent whooping cough is to get vaccinated. The whooping cough vaccine is very effective at preventing the disease. The vaccine is typically given as part of the DTaP vaccine, which also protects against diphtheria and tetanus.

Other ways to help prevent whooping cough include:

- Avoiding contact with people who are sick with whooping cough

- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water

- Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze

- Staying home from work or school if you are sick