Whooping Cough: Causes, Treatment Options and Prevention

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection affecting individuals of all ages, though infants and unvaccinated populations are at the greatest risk. Marked by severe coughing fits that may cause complications if untreated, the disease demands early recognition and preventive vaccination to curb its spread. This blog explores the key aspects of whooping cough, including its causes, treatment options, and effective prevention strategies, offering valuable insights to help protect yourself and those around you.

What is Whooping Cough?

Pertussis, commonly called whooping cough, is a bacterial infection targeting the respiratory system. It spreads via airborne droplets expelled when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or talks.

The name comes from the distinctive “whooping” sound made during deep breaths following severe coughing fits. While anyone can develop this condition, it poses a significant threat to infants and young children due to their underdeveloped immune systems.

The infection often starts with mild symptoms resembling a cold. However, it can progress to severe coughing episodes that interfere with normal breathing, eating, or sleeping.

What Causes Whooping Cough?

The bacterium Bordetella pertussis causes whooping cough by attaching to airway linings and releasing toxins. These toxins irritate and inflame the respiratory tract, triggering severe, uncontrollable coughing fits.

The infection spreads through tiny droplets in the air when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or even talks. These droplets can be inhaled by people nearby, making close contact a significant factor in the spread of the disease. It can also spread indirectly if a person touches a surface contaminated with the bacteria and then touches their nose or mouth.

What are the Stages of Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough progresses in distinct stages, each with its own set of symptoms. Understanding these stages is important for recognising the illness early and seeking the right treatment. Here’s a breakdown of the stages of whooping cough:

Stage One: The Catarrhal Stage (1-2 weeks)

This is the first stage, and it closely resembles a common cold. The symptoms are mild and easy to overlook, which is why many people don’t realise they have whooping cough at this point. Symptoms include:

• Runny nose and sneezing.
• Mild cough and low-grade fever.
• Fatigue or general discomfort.

During this stage, the bacteria begin to infect the airways, but the symptoms are not yet severe. This is when the illness is most contagious, as it can be spread through droplets from coughing or sneezing.

Stage Two: The Paroxysmal Stage (2-6 weeks)

During the paroxysmal stage, symptoms intensify, with hallmark severe coughing fits that can disrupt breathing, eating, or sleeping. These fits can be violent and last for several minutes, making it difficult to breathe, eat, or sleep. Other symptoms include:

• Severe coughing fits followed by the “whooping” sound as the person struggles to breathe in air.
• Vomiting after coughing fits, especially in children.
• Exhaustion due to the severity of coughing fits.

This stage can last for weeks, and the coughing fits typically occur more frequently at night. It’s important to note that although the cough sounds alarming, the "whoop" is not always present, especially in infants or older individuals.

Stage Three: The Convalescent Stage (1-2 months)

In the final stage, the coughing fits begin to subside, and the person starts to recover. However, the recovery process can take time, as the airways remain sensitive and irritated. Symptoms during this stage include:

• Reduction in coughing fits but still occasional coughing

• Gradual improvement in energy levels

• Lingering cough that can last for weeks, but becomes less severe

Although the person may feel better during this stage, they can still be contagious for a while, so it’s important to continue taking precautions to avoid spreading the infection.

Who Is at Risk of Contracting Whooping Cough?

Certain groups are more vulnerable to contracting whooping cough or experiencing severe complications:

Infants, Newborns, and Pregnant Women

Babies under six months are most vulnerable due to underdeveloped immune systems and incomplete vaccination. Pregnant women without a Tdap vaccine cannot pass protective antibodies to their babies, increasing newborn susceptibility.

Unvaccinated or Under-Vaccinated Individuals

Vaccination plays a crucial role in preventing whooping cough. Those who have not received the recommended DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine or booster shots are more likely to contract the disease. This includes people living in areas with low vaccination rates or those who refuse vaccinations.

Teenagers and Adults

Immunity from childhood vaccinations can decrease over time. Teenagers and adults who have not had booster shots are at risk of contracting and spreading the infection. While symptoms in this group are usually less severe, they can still transmit the disease to vulnerable populations, such as infants or the elderly.

People Living or Working in Close Quarters

Individuals in crowded environments, such as schools, childcare centres, or healthcare facilities, are more likely to come into contact with an infected person. The disease can spread rapidly in these settings, particularly if hygiene practices are not strictly followed.

Elderly Individuals and Those with Chronic Illnesses

Older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions, such as asthma or weakened immune systems, are at a greater risk of complications from whooping cough. They may experience more severe symptoms, and recovery can take longer compared to healthier individuals.

How Is Whooping Cough Diagnosed?

Diagnosing whooping cough typically involves a combination of evaluating symptoms, medical history, and laboratory tests. As the condition often begins with mild symptoms similar to a cold, it can be challenging to diagnose in its early stages. However, a healthcare provider may use several methods to confirm the diagnosis:

• Physical Examination: The doctor will listen for the characteristic coughing pattern and “whooping” sound that follows a coughing fit. They may also check for signs of respiratory distress.
• Medical History: The doctor will ask about recent exposure to individuals with similar symptoms, vaccination history, and whether the patient has been in close contact with others who might have the disease.
• Lab Tests: The doctor may recommend one or more tests to confirm the infection, such as:
• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) Test: This test detects the genetic material of Bordetella pertussis in a sample taken from the throat or nose.
• Culture Test: A sample from the nose or throat is cultured in a lab to grow the bacteria. This test takes longer, but it can provide a more accurate result.
• Blood Tests: In some cases, blood tests can reveal an elevated white blood cell count, suggesting infection.

Early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and to prevent the spread of the infection to others.

What Treatment Options Are Available for Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough can be treated effectively, especially if diagnosed early. The treatment focuses on antibiotics to tackle the infection, supportive care to manage symptoms, and hospitalisation if the condition is severe. Here’s a breakdown of the treatment options:

Antibiotics

The main treatment for whooping cough involves antibiotics, which help eliminate the bacteria causing the infection. These are most effective when started early, ideally within the first two weeks of the illness. Antibiotics help shorten the duration of the illness and prevent it from spreading to others. Once antibiotics are started, the risk of transmission is reduced significantly within a few days.

Supportive Care

Alongside antibiotics, supportive care plays a key role in managing the symptoms of whooping cough. This includes:

• Staying hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water and clear soups, helps prevent dehydration caused by frequent coughing.
• Rest: Adequate rest is essential to allow the body time to recover and manage fatigue caused by coughing fits.
• Moist air: Using a humidifier or inhaling steam from a hot shower can help soothe the throat and ease breathing difficulties, making it more comfortable to manage the symptoms.

These simple yet effective measures can help provide relief and support recovery.

Hospitalisation

In some cases, particularly in infants, young children, or immunocompromised individuals, hospitalisation may be required. In the hospital, patients may receive:

• Oxygen support: This helps ensure the body maintains healthy oxygen levels, especially if breathing becomes difficult due to severe coughing.
• Intravenous fluids: If dehydration becomes a concern, fluids may be administered through an IV.
• Close monitoring: In more serious cases, healthcare providers monitor the patient's condition to manage any complications, such as pneumonia or severe dehydration.

How Can Whooping Cough Be Prevented?

Preventing whooping cough primarily involves vaccination, as well as taking certain precautions to avoid the spread of the infection. Given that whooping cough is highly contagious, effective prevention measures are essential to protect both individuals and communities, especially vulnerable groups like infants and those with weakened immune systems.

Vaccination

The most effective way to prevent whooping cough is through vaccination. The DTaP vaccine, which stands for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, is given to infants and young children in a series of shots. Booster doses, known as the Tdap vaccine, are recommended for older children, teens, and adults. Pregnant women are advised to receive a Tdap booster during each pregnancy to help protect their newborns from the disease.

Vaccination not only protects the individual who receives the vaccine but also helps reduce the spread of the disease in the community. This is especially important because infants too young to be vaccinated are particularly at risk for severe illness.

Avoiding Close Contact with Infected Individuals

Whooping cough spreads easily through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. To reduce the risk of contracting or spreading the disease:

• Avoid close contact with individuals showing symptoms of whooping cough, particularly during the early stages when the disease is most contagious.
• If someone in the household or close circle is diagnosed with whooping cough, take precautions such as wearing a mask, limiting exposure, and practicing good hygiene.

Good Hygiene Practices

Practicing good hygiene can significantly reduce the risk of transmission:

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue or your elbow to prevent droplets from spreading.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing, and before eating or touching your face.
• Disinfect surfaces regularly, especially shared items like doorknobs, phones, and toys, to reduce the spread of germs.

Consult Today

If you or someone you know may have whooping cough, it’s essential to seek medical advice promptly to ensure proper treatment. Additionally, getting the pertussis vaccine is an important step in protecting yourself and your family from future infection. For specialised treatment and support, contact the specialists at Max Hospital today.