Whooping Cough (Pertussis) in Adults

What is whooping cough (pertussis)?

Whooping cough, or pertussis, mainly affects infants and young children. Caused by a bacterium, it is characterized by paroxysms (intense fits or spells) of coughing that end with the characteristic whoop as air is inhaled. Whooping cough caused thousands of deaths in the 1930s and 1940s, but, with the advent of a vaccine, the rate of death has declined dramatically. Even though pertussis vaccines are very effective, if pertussis is circulating in the community, there is a possibility that a fully vaccinated person can catch the disease.

What are the symptoms of whooping cough?

The disease starts like the common cold, with a runny nose or congestion, sneezing, and sometimes a mild cough or fever. Usually after one to two weeks, severe coughing begins. The following are the most common symptoms of whooping cough. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• coughing (violently and rapidly, until all the air has left the lungs and a person is forced to inhale, causing a "whooping" sound

• sneezing

• nasal discharge

• fever

• sore, watery eyes

• whooping

• lips, tongue, and nailbeds may turn blue during coughing spells

Whooping cough can last up to 10 weeks and can lead to pneumonia.

The symptoms of whooping cough may resemble other medical conditions. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

How is whooping cough diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and medical examination, diagnosis of whooping cough is often confirmed with a culture taken from the nose.

Treatment for whooping cough:

Specific treatment for whooping cough will be determined by your physician based on:

• your overall health and medical history

• extent of the condition

• your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies

• expectations for the course of the condition

• your opinion or preference

Antibiotics are generally not helpful once severe coughing has begun but does help to prevent the spread of infection after 3 to 4 days of treatment. Other treatment may include:

• keeping warm

• eating small, frequent meals

• drinking plenty of fluids

• reducing stimuli that may provoke coughing

Hospitalization may be required in severe cases.

Preventing whooping cough:

Although a vaccine has been developed against whooping cough, which is routinely given to children in the first year of life, cases of the disease still occur, especially in infants younger than 6 months of age.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there has been a dramatic increase in the number of cases of pertussis since the 1980s, especially in teenagers (10-19 years of age) and babies less than 5 months of age. The CDC recommends that children need five DTaP shots for maximum protection against pertussis. A DTaP shot is a combination vaccine that protects against three diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. The first three shots are given at two, four, and six months of age. Between 15 and 18 months of age, the fourth shot is given, and a fifth shot when a child enters school at four to six years of age. At regular check-ups for 11 or 12 year olds, a pre-teen should get a dose of Tdap. The Tdap booster contains tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. If an adult did not get a Tdap as a pre-teen or teen, then he should get a dose of Tdap instead of the Td booster. Adults should get a Td booster every ten years, but it can be given before the ten-year mark. Always consult your physician for advice.