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Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious infection that affects the airways. It is caused by bacteria. The infection causes severe, uncontrollable coughing fits. After a long coughing fit, a person may gasp for breath, which makes a high-pitched "whooping" sound.
read more about whooping cough ...This condition is caused by a type of bacteria called *Bordetella pertussis*. It is extremely contagious and spreads easily from person to person through tiny droplets in the air. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, other people nearby can breathe in the bacteria and get sick.
The illness often starts just like a common cold, with a runny nose, sneezing, and a mild cough. After one to two weeks, the cough gets much worse. It turns into long, violent coughing fits that can last for a minute or more. After the fit, the person may make the "whoop" sound, or they may vomit. This cough can last for weeks or months.
A doctor will ask about the symptoms and listen to the cough. To confirm the diagnosis, a doctor will usually take a sample of mucus from the back of the nose or throat. This sample is then sent to a lab to test for the pertussis bacteria.
Whooping cough is treated with antibiotics. The medicine helps to kill the bacteria and stops the person from being contagious. It is very important to start the antibiotics as soon as possible. The medicine may not make the cough go away any faster, as the cough is from the damage the bacteria has already done to the airways.
Whooping cough is extremely dangerous for babies, especially those under six months old. They may not have the strength to cough and may not make the "whoop" sound. Instead, they may just stop breathing. Many babies who get whooping cough need to be treated in the hospital.
The best way to prevent it is with a vaccine. The DTaP vaccine is given to children, and the Tdap booster is given to preteens and adults. It is also very important for pregnant women to get the vaccine to protect their newborn baby.
Yes. Neither getting the illness nor the vaccine provides lifelong protection. The protection wears off over time, which is why booster shots are needed.
No. Many people, especially babies and adults, never make the classic "whoop" sound. They just have a very bad, long-lasting cough.
You must see a doctor right away if you or your child has a cough that is violent, causes vomiting, or makes a "whooping" sound. It is an emergency if a baby with a cough stops breathing, even for a moment, or if their lips or skin turn blue.