Whooping Cough in Children: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment

October 24, 2024

Author: Prashanth Hospitals

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious bacterial infection affecting the lungs and airways.
It often starts like a common cold, but persistent whooping cough symptoms can last for weeks or even months.
Babies and young children, especially whooping cough in infants, are particularly at risk and can become seriously ill from this infection.
Whooping cough spreads easily through droplets from coughs or sneezes, making whooping cough prevention through vaccination and early whooping cough treatment with antibiotics crucial.

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory system.
It causes severe whooping cough symptoms, including intense coughing fits that can last for weeks, often ending with a distinct "whooping" sound.
For newborns and young children, the infection poses a serious risk of whooping cough complications such as pneumonia.
Vaccines like the DTaP vaccine (for children) and the whooping cough vaccine for older kids and adults help prevent whooping cough.
Immunity from the whooping cough vaccine can weaken over time, so booster shots may be necessary.
Infants under 2 months of age, who are too young to be vaccinated, are especially vulnerable.
It's essential for those around infants to be vaccinated to protect them from the illness.

Whooping cough spreads through the air when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks, releasing tiny droplets of bacteria.
Close contact or sharing breathing space increases the risk of infection.
If someone in a household has whooping cough, there is an 80% chance others in the house may also become infected.
Similar to diseases like COVID-19, tuberculosis, and measles, whooping cough spreads through saliva and mucus droplets.
Whooping cough is contagious for up to 5 weeks if untreated, but after antibiotic treatment for whooping cough, the person is no longer contagious after 5 days.

Babies and Young Children: Especially those under 6 months, who are at the highest risk of severe complications.
Older Children and Adults: Whooping cough is less severe but still causes prolonged coughing.
People Who’ve Had It Before: Re-infection is possible, though symptoms tend to be milder.
Vaccinated Individuals: Immunity from childhood vaccines can fade, so booster shots may be needed.
Close Contact: You can catch whooping cough from close contact with an infected person.
Infectious Period: Whooping cough is contagious from about 6 days after exposure until three weeks after coughing starts, though antibiotics can shorten this time.

Runny Nose: A mild runny nose is often one of the first signs, resembling a common cold.
Mild Fever: A low-grade fever may develop, usually not higher than 101°F (38.3°C).
Mild Cough: Initially, the cough may be light and occasional, similar to a cold.
Sneezing: Frequent sneezing can occur along with other cold-like symptoms.
Fatigue: Your child may seem unusually tired or irritable.
Loss of Appetite: A decrease in appetite is common in the early stages.
Apnea in Infants: For babies, a significant early sign is apnea—pauses in breathing. This may occur even before noticeable coughing begins.

For Infants and Young Children:

Breathing Difficulties: Persistent coughing can make it hard for babies to breathe properly, leading to inadequate oxygen levels.
Serious Health Risks:

Dehydration: Difficulty eating or drinking due to coughing can result in dehydration. Look out for symptoms like:

For Teens and Adults:

Pneumonia: A common complication that can lead to further health issues.
Sleep Disruption: Severe coughing fits can interfere with the ability to sleep.
Urinary Incontinence: Loss of bladder control can occur during intense coughing episodes.
Physical Strain:

Immunization for Children: Vaccinate your child according to the recommended schedule. The DTaP vaccine is given at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, with booster doses at 15-18 months, 4-6 years, and again at 11 years.
Cocoon Strategy: Ensure that everyone who is in close contact with your child, such as parents, grandparents, teachers, and caretakers, receives the Tdap vaccine. This creates a protective "cocoon" around the child.
Adult Vaccination: Adults, especially those who work with, visit, or care for children, should get vaccinated against whooping cough. This helps prevent the spread of the infection to vulnerable populations like infants.
Pregnancy Vaccination: Pregnant women should receive the Tdap vaccine during their third trimester. This helps protect newborns who are too young to be vaccinated by passing on protective antibodies.
Maintain Good Hygiene: Encourage regular handwashing, covering mouths when coughing or sneezing, and using tissues to reduce the spread of bacteria.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you think your child may have a whooping cough. Early diagnosis and whooping cough treatment can prevent complications.
Start Antibiotic Treatment: If the infection is confirmed, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotic treatment for whooping cough can reduce the severity of symptoms and shorten the contagious period.
Isolate Your Child: Keep your child away from other children and vulnerable individuals, such as infants and the elderly, to prevent the spread of the infection.
Monitor for Complications: Watch for signs of breathing difficulties, dehydration, or any worsening of symptoms. If complications arise, seek further medical assistance immediately.
Follow Vaccination Guidelines: Ensure that all family members are up to date with their vaccinations to prevent further spread of the infection and protect your child during recovery.