HealthTree Blog

Whooping cough is a respiratory infection that is also known as pertussis and is caused by bacteria. It gets its name from the “whooping” sound a person makes when they cough. In the 1950s a vaccine was developed and now this disease is not seen in the United States.

As with many other illnesses, whooping cough can begin with symptoms much like a cold: cough, low-grade fever, sneezing and a runny nose. In a week or two these coughing spells many last much longer leaving the person gasping for breath and red in the face. There may be times when it seems they have stopped breathing.

Since whooping cough is highly contagious a person must be isolated. This disease is more dangerous for infants and admission to a hospital usually occurs with this age group. Older children may be given antibiotics to get rid of the bacteria and hospitalization is usually not required. As a preventive measure, doctors may recommend antibiotics for family members. There is not much that can be done to relieve the symptoms of the cough itself. However, rest, fluids and using a humidifier or vaporizer may provide some relief.

Complications of whooping cough are most often seen in infants and include: dehydration, ear infection, pneumonia, slowed breathing and even seizures. If the disease is not treated early brain damage can also occur.

To best protect a child against whooping cough they should receive the DtaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis) vaccine. In addition to pertussis (whooping cough) this vaccine also protects against diphtheria and tetanus. Children should be vaccinated with five doses at the following ages: 2 month, 4 months, 6 months, 15 to 18 months and again at ages 4 to 6 years.

All children who travel outside the United States should be vaccinated as this disease is still widespread in other countries.