Whooping Cough

What is Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough is caused by an infection of a highly contagious bacteria called bordetella pertussis.

Who Is Affected By Whooping Cough?

Any child who has not been vaccinated is vulnerable to whooping cough. Children under six months old are most at risk.

What Are The Symptoms Of Whooping Cough?

The incubation period between exposure and symptoms is about seven days The first symptoms are similar to a common cold:-

• runny nose
• mild fever
• night time cough

After this coughing spasms begin, a series of short coughs followed by a drawing in of breath with a characteristic whooping sound. (The whooping sound may not be audible in small babies.)

Bouts of coughing usually take place at night and often end in vomiting. The coughing can occur after feeding and during the coughing spasms the child’s face may turn blue or red and copious amounts of mucus may be produced from the nose or mouth.

Complications are rare but serious and include:-

• pneumonia
• seizures
• bronchiectasis - a lung condition where pockets of infection form in the small airways
• apnoea (when breathing stops)
• sudden death.

How Is Whooping Cough Diagnosed?

The symptoms of whooping cough make it fairly easy to diagnose. Swabs taken from the throat or nose can confirm the presence of bacteria. If your child has developed an unusual cough that lasts for a couple of days or more, take them to see a doctor. Seek urgent medical advice if your child seems unwell, turns blue during a coughing fit or has other associated symptoms.

How Is Whooping Cough Treated?

Mild whooping cough can be treated at home with plenty of rest and fluids. In more serious case, hospital treatment may be needed. Whooping cough may persist for months. Vaccination provides over eighty per cent protection.