Whooping cough

What is whooping cough?

Whooping cough manifests itself as a hacking cough which is followed by a sharp intake of breath, creating the so-called whooping sound. Also referred to as pertussis, it is an infection of the lining of the respiratory tract, which takes air to and from the lungs.

It is typically a disease of young children, although it can also occur in adults. It is most severe in infants and younger children, and can on rare occasions prove fatal. 50% of infants usually need hospital treatment if infected.

Symptoms of whooping cough

Symptoms will normally appear within 7 days of infection with the Bordetella pertussis bacterium. In the early stages typical symptoms include:

• A runny, or blocked, nose

• Sneezing

• Watering eyes

• A dry, irritated cough

• A sore throat

• A slightly raised temperature

• Feeling generally unwell

After 1 or 2 weeks the second stage symptoms will appear. It is in this stage that the familiar whooping cough will be heard.

Symptoms will now include an intense hacking cough which will bring up thick phlegm (around 12 to 15 times per day), followed by the whoop sound. Vomiting may also be present in children, and possibly cyanosis - becoming blue in the face.

This stage can last from a few weeks to a few months, as the coughing can continue even after the bacterium has been removed.

In adults the symptoms tend to be less severe and may not even be recognized as whooping cough.

How is it spread?

Whooping cough is caused by an infection with the Bordetella pertussis bacterium which invades the airways. Here it multiplies and builds up, causing a thick build up of mucus, resulting in sneezing and coughing.

It is highly infectious, and the bacteria are transmitted through the air in droplets from these coughs and sneezes.

This is especially true in the early stages of infection, when each sneeze or cough can send out hundreds of droplets contaminated with the bacterium.

Prevention and treatment

Whooping cough is now rare in the UK due to an immunization programme.

Babies are given the vaccine at 2, 3 and 4 months old as part of the DtaP/IPV/Hib vaccine. A booster is also given before children start school. If you are the carer of a baby or small child it is important that you ensure they receive their vaccine. Please consult your GP or health visitor for more information.

Prevention also relies on avoiding close contact with an infected person. People who have whooping cough should therefore avoid contact with others as far as possible.

Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough will help. The tissue should then be disposed of carefully in the bin.

Whooping cough can be treated with antibiotics. These will normally be given to any babies or young children who become infected, as it can cause serious complications in these cases.

For adults, antibiotics may be prescribed if the infection is caught at an early stage. Otherwise the disease may be allowed to run its course if the symptoms are mild.

In any event, infected persons should avoid contact with other people, especially in the early stages of the disease.

This article was published on Tue 3 November 2009