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PRIMARY CARE SERVICES

Diagnosis & Treatment

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

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How Is Whooping Cough Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

To determine whether you or your child has whooping cough, the doctor will ask about symptoms and do a physical exam. The doctor also will want to know if you have been exposed to anyone with pertussis. In the first few weeks of infection, whooping cough symptoms are similar to those of a cold.

The doctor may order these tests to help diagnose whooping cough:

  • Nose or throat culture. The doctor will collect mucus on a swab, so it can be tested for the bacteria (Bordetella pertussis) that cause whooping cough.
  • Blood test. A sample of blood may be drawn and sent to a laboratory to check the level of white blood cells. A high white blood cell count does not diagnose pertussis specifically, but is a general sign of infection.
  • Chest X-ray. This test checks the lungs for signs of pneumonia, which can be a complication of whooping cough.

How can a primary doctor help?

A primary care doctor can help diagnose whooping cough early, before coughing fits worsen. The doctor can then prescribe antibiotics to kill the infectious bacteria, and give advice on how to manage symptoms.

With early whooping cough treatment, there is less chance of severe illness and complications. If further care is needed, a primary care doctor can provide referrals to specialists or hospital care.

How Is Whooping Cough Treated?

Treatments

Doctors typically prescribe antibiotics to treat whooping cough. Several antibiotics are effective against the bacteria that cause pertussis. Most symptoms can be managed at home. If you have signs of dehydration or severe symptoms, contact your doctor—you may need hospital care.

While at home:

  • Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking your antibiotics
  • Rest
  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Wash hands often with soap and water
  • Eat small meals frequently, to help prevent vomiting
  • Add moisture to the air with a cool mist humidifier
  • Avoid irritants that trigger coughing, such as smoke and dust
  • Do not take over-the-counter cough medicines
  • Take over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain and fever

Treating infants for whooping cough

Infants younger than 12 months are at high risk of serious illness from whooping cough, as well as complications. About a third of babies this age who get pertussis need care in a hospital.

Hospital care for infants can include:

  • Antibiotics
  • Monitoring breathing and giving oxygen
  • Treating dehydration
  • Treating complications such as pneumonia, convulsions, and encephalopathy
  • Additional intensive support as needed, such as dialysis for the kidneys

FAQs

FAQs

In most children and adults, whooping cough sounds like a long spell of severe coughing followed by a gasp for air that makes a high-pitched “whoop” sound. However, babies may not cough. Instead, babies can struggle to breathe and turn blue if not getting enough oxygen.

Severe coughing fits can last six to 10 weeks.

Whooping cough spreads when a person who has it coughs or sneezes. This releases droplets into the air that contain bacteria, which infect people nearby.

Whooping cough is common in the United States. Each year the total number of cases is between 10,000 and 50,000, with cases reported in every state.

Whooping cough is very contagious. It spreads easily from person to person.

Protection from pertussis vaccines decrease over time. It’s especially important for infants and children to receive all recommended doses.

Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Whooping Cough Treatment

Schedule an appointment at a convenient location for whooping cough diagnosis and treatment with one of NewYork-Presbyterian’s highly trained pediatricians and primary care doctors. With whooping cough, it’s important to know the symptoms.

Our doctors can help distinguish this infection from others and refer you to NewYork-Presbyterian specialists if further care is needed. We accept most insurance.