Whooping Cough Symptoms

The symptoms of whooping cough manifest 3 to 12 days after one gets infected. The disease is most prevalent among children but adults may also suffer from it. Whooping cough has three stages.

First Stage Whooping Cough

Also known as the catarrhal stage, it lasts from 1 to 2 weeks. Signs include runny nose, low-grade fever, mild cough and some sneezing.

Second Stage Whooping Cough

This is the paroxysmal stage and is marked by coughing bursts or rapid coughing. The bursts grow during the first couple of weeks. It becomes constant for up to three weeks before the frequency is reduced.

One of the symptoms of whooping cough is the presence of a high pitched whooping sound after the rapid cough bursts. This happens as the persons tries to breathe in. These attacks often occur at night. Typically there are 15 to 20 attacks every 24 hours.

Depending on the severity, the person may turn blue during an attack due to oxygen deprivation. Exhaustion and vomiting may fallow each attack as well.

The second stage usually lasts from 1 to 6 weeks, but there are instances wherein they last up to 10 weeks.

Other Signs

There are other symptoms of whooping cough. These include nasal congestion, a slight fever and reddish, watery eyes.

Third Stage Whooping Cough

The third stage is the recovery period. This takes about two weeks or longer. Depending on their health status, attacks may or may not occur again in a few months time.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made based on the symptoms and the patient’s medical history. If preliminary tests are inconclusive, the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) will be performed. Other lab tests can be done to determine if one has whooping cough.

Whooping Cough Treatment

Antibiotics are administered to individuals who show first stage symptoms of whooping cough. Any of the following antibiotics can be prescribed for people who have whooping cough for no more than four weeks: azithromycin, erythromycin, clarithromycin and trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole.

It is still unclear as to whether antibiotics are effective for people who have had whopping cough for more than four weeks. Antibiotics are also given to persons who have come into contact with infected individuals.

Cause of Whooping Cough

The disease is caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It is spread via contact with coughed up droplets made by someone with the disease. People can also be infected if they touch a surface where droplets are present.

The bacteria are present in the respiratory passages. As these passages become inflamed, coughing ensures.

The disease is very contagious. Those without immunity have a 75% to 100% chance of catching the disease. There are also some reports that even fully immunized people can get infected if exposure is severe.

To avoid infection, wearing masks and hand washing is recommended. Immediate treatment for the affected person in the household is also necessary.

Although the symptoms of whooping cough don’t show up early, they can still be treated with antibiotics once the signs manifest. Giving children inoculation greatly reduces the chances of the disease afflicting them.