Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Symptoms typically develop within 7 to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria, but sometimes they can take as long as 3 weeks to appear. The initial symptoms of whooping cough are similar to those of a common cold and may include:
- Runny nose
- Low-grade fever
- Mild cough
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Fatigue
After about one to two weeks, the symptoms can worsen, leading to severe coughing fits. These coughing fits are often characterized by:
- Fits of coughing that can be intense and uncontrollable
- A high-pitched “whoop” sound when inhaling after coughing
- Vomiting or exhaustion after coughing fits
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Cyanosis (bluish skin color) due to lack of oxygen
In infants, the symptoms can be particularly severe and may lead to complications such as pneumonia or brain damage. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent whooping cough, and it’s especially important for infants and young children, as well as pregnant women and anyone who may come into contact with infants. If you suspect you or someone else has whooping cough, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly, especially since antibiotics can help reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent the spread of the infection to others.
