Whooping cough symptoms often start with a dry cough, runny nose, general discomfort, and a low-grade fever. After 1 to 2 weeks, these signs typically get worse, leading to severe coughing fits, vomiting, and wheezing.
Symptoms usually appear 5 to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria that cause whooping cough, though in some cases they may not show up until 3 weeks later. It is important to see a doctor or pediatrician when these signs appear to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment as soon as possible.
Early treatment helps lower the risk of complications such as dehydration, pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and, in severe cases, death.
Main symptoms
Whooping cough symptoms will vary depending on the stage of the condition:
1. Early symptoms
The first whooping cough symptoms can include:
-
Mild to moderate dry cough
-
Runny nose
-
Nasal congestion
-
General discomfort
-
Low fever, around 100.4°F
These symptoms usually develop 5 to 10 days after contact with the bacteria, but in some cases they may take up to 3 weeks to appear.
2. Later symptoms
Later whooping cough symptoms may include:
-
Violent, rapid coughing fits that last several minutes, usually at night. These episodes often end with a long, deep inhalation that creates a high-pitched “whoop” sound
-
Vomiting during or after a coughing fit
-
Extreme tiredness after coughing
-
Difficulty sleeping at night
-
Trouble breathing
-
Rib fractures
These severe coughing episodes can last 1 to 6 weeks, but in some cases they may continue for up to 10 weeks.
3. Whooping cough symptoms in children
In babies and children, whooping cough often begins with symptoms similar to a common cold, much like in adults.
After 1 to 2 weeks, the cough usually becomes more intense and violent. During these fits, the child may turn red or purple and sometimes stop breathing for short periods. This pause in breathing, known as apnea, can be life-threatening.
Apnea may also cause cyanosis, when the baby’s skin, lips, or nails turn bluish due to lack of oxygen. The baby may also have trouble breathing and make high-pitched wheezing sounds.
Other possible signs include weak crying, fatigue or excessive sleepiness, and difficulty feeding or refusal to eat.
Does whooping cough have a cure?
Yes, whooping cough can be cured, and most people recover with proper medical care. Treatment usually involves antibiotics prescribed by a doctor, which are most effective when started in the early stages of the illness.
The infection can be more serious in babies and people with weakened immune systems, so early diagnosis and treatment are especially important.
Although treatment helps relieve whooping cough symptoms and reduce the severity of the illness, the cough itself may continue for several weeks even after the person is no longer contagious. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary, particularly for young children.