Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system. It is caused by Bordetella pertussis and often begins with mild cold-like symptoms before developing into severe, repeated coughing fits.
The infection can affect people of any age, but it can be especially serious for infants and young children. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding when medical care is needed can help reduce the risk of complications. If you experience severe breathing problems or other concerning symptoms, visit our ER in Waxahachie, TX for prompt medical evaluation.
How Does Pertussis Develop?
Pertussis begins when Bordetella pertussis enters the respiratory tract and attaches to the lining of the airways. The bacteria produce substances that irritate and damage the respiratory tract, contributing to persistent coughing.
The infection typically progresses through several stages. Early symptoms may resemble a mild cold, but coughing can become increasingly severe over time. Recovery may take several weeks, and coughing can continue even after the infection itself begins to improve. Infants may experience different symptoms than older children and adults. Instead of producing the characteristic whooping sound, babies may have pauses in breathing or difficulty breathing.
What Are the Common Symptoms?
Pertussis symptoms often develop gradually, with early signs that may resemble a common cold. As the infection progresses, coughing can become more frequent, forceful, and difficult to control. Recognizing these changes can help you seek medical care when needed.
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Mild fever
- Mild cough
- Tiredness
- Watery eyes
- Repeated, forceful coughing fits
- A high-pitched “whoop” when breathing in after coughing
- Vomiting after coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Extreme tiredness after coughing episodes
- Coughing that becomes worse at night
If severe symptoms require emergency care, our ER wait times near me are less than 15 minutes, helping you get prompt emergency care.
How Does Pertussis Spread?
Pertussis is highly contagious and can spread easily from person to person, especially during close contact. The bacteria can spread through respiratory secretions from an infected person.
Respiratory Droplets
When a person with pertussis coughs, sneezes, or talks, respiratory droplets containing the bacteria can be released into the air. People nearby may inhale these droplets and become infected. Close contact can increase the risk of transmission.
Close Contact
Spending significant time with someone who has pertussis can increase the chance of becoming infected. The infection can spread before the characteristic severe coughing fits become obvious. This makes early recognition and appropriate precautions important.
Contaminated Hands
Respiratory secretions can get onto a person’s hands after coughing or sneezing. Touching the mouth, nose, or eyes after contact with these secretions may contribute to the spread of respiratory infections. Regular handwashing can help reduce transmission.
What Are the Stages of Pertussis?
Pertussis typically develops in three stages, with symptoms changing as the infection progresses. The severity and duration of each stage can vary from person to person.
Catarrhal Stage
The catarrhal stage is the early phase and often looks like a common cold. Symptoms may include a runny nose, sneezing, mild fever, and a mild cough. Because these symptoms are not specific to pertussis, the infection may not be recognized at first.
Paroxysmal Stage
During the paroxysmal stage, coughing becomes more severe and occurs in repeated, forceful fits. A person may cough several times before taking a breath, sometimes followed by a characteristic whooping sound. Coughing fits may also cause vomiting, exhaustion, or difficulty breathing.
Recovery Stage
The recovery stage begins as coughing episodes gradually become less frequent and severe. However, the cough can continue for several weeks even as other symptoms improve. Coughing may temporarily worsen if another respiratory infection develops.
Who Is At Higher Risk of Severe Pertussis?
Pertussis can affect people of all ages, but some groups are more likely to develop severe symptoms or complications. Understanding these risk factors can help people recognize when closer medical attention may be needed.
- Infants and young babies
- Children who are not fully vaccinated
- Pregnant people
- Older adults
- People with certain underlying medical conditions
- People who have not received recommended pertussis vaccinations
Infants are particularly vulnerable because severe pertussis can interfere with normal breathing and may lead to complications requiring hospitalization.
What Complications Can Pertussis Cause?
Most people recover from pertussis with appropriate care, but severe infections can sometimes lead to serious complications. These complications may be more likely in infants, older adults, and people with other health conditions.
Breathing Problems
Severe coughing fits can make it difficult to breathe normally and may temporarily interfere with oxygen levels. Infants with pertussis may also experience pauses in breathing, which require prompt medical attention.
Pneumonia
Pertussis can lead to pneumonia, particularly in infants and other people at higher risk of complications. Pneumonia may cause worsening cough, breathing difficulties, fever, and other respiratory symptoms.
Dehydration
Frequent coughing and vomiting can make it difficult to drink enough fluids. This can lead to dehydration, especially when a person cannot keep fluids down or has reduced urination.
Rib Injuries
Repeated, forceful coughing can place significant strain on the muscles and bones of the chest. In some cases, severe coughing may contribute to rib injuries or significant chest discomfort.
Neurological Complications
Severe pertussis can occasionally cause neurological complications, particularly when serious breathing problems reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the brain. These complications require immediate medical evaluation.
How Is Pertussis Diagnosed?
A healthcare professional may diagnose pertussis based on symptoms, medical history, exposure to an infected person, and a physical examination.Laboratory testing may also be used to confirm the infection. Testing can involve collecting a sample from the nose or throat and checking for Bordetella pertussis.Because early pertussis can look like an ordinary cold, seeking medical evaluation when a cough becomes persistent or severe can help with timely diagnosis.
When Should You Go to the ER?
Many respiratory infections can be managed without emergency care, but severe pertussis symptoms can become dangerous. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience:
- Severe difficulty breathing: Struggling to breathe or experiencing significant shortness of breath.
- Pauses in breathing: Particularly in infants and young children.
- Blue or gray lips or skin: This can indicate inadequate oxygen.
- Severe chest pain: Especially when accompanied by breathing difficulties.
- Loss of consciousness: Fainting or difficulty staying awake.
- Seizures: Especially when associated with severe illness or breathing problems.
- Severe dehydration: Unable to keep fluids down or produce very little urine.
- Rapidly worsening symptoms: A significant deterioration in breathing or overall condition.
Pertussis Care At Altus Emergency Centers
Severe or worsening respiratory symptoms should be evaluated promptly, particularly in infants, young children, and people at higher risk of complications. Our 24/7 emergency room provides prompt evaluation and care for urgent respiratory symptoms.
At Altus Emergency Centers , our team provides medical evaluation for respiratory concerns, including persistent coughing, breathing difficulties, and other urgent symptoms. Early assessment can help identify potentially serious complications and determine the appropriate next steps.
Key Takeaways
- Pertussis, also called whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis.
- Early symptoms often resemble a common cold before severe coughing develops.
- Severe coughing fits may cause vomiting, exhaustion, and breathing difficulties.
- Some people develop a characteristic “whoop” when breathing in after a coughing fit, but not everyone does.
- Infants may experience pauses in breathing or breathing difficulties without the typical whooping sound.
- Antibiotics may be used to treat pertussis and reduce its spread.
- Vaccination is the primary way to prevent pertussis and reduce the risk of serious complications.
- Severe breathing problems, pauses in breathing, blue or gray skin, seizures, or loss of consciousness require emergency medical attention.