10 Symptoms of Whooping Cough You Shouldn't Ignore

Whooping cough is characterized by a distinct sound, a high-pitched intake of breath that occurs after a coughing fit. It happens when air is forced rapidly through a partially closed airway, producing the sharp whooping noise the illness is named for. It can be hard to distinguish from a severe cold at first, but the repeated whooping sound after coughing fits is a strong indicator. In infants, the whooping sound may be absent entirely, which makes early diagnosis harder.

The early stages of whooping cough are similar to those of a common cold, which is why it's often diagnosed too late. Rarely will anybody go for a check-up because they have to sniffle and use tissues, but unfortunately, whooping cough will stay hidden without proper examination. A runny nose will last for a few weeks in those afflicted with whooping cough.

Sneezing often accompanies a runny nose in the early stages of whooping cough, and it contributes to how easily the illness spreads. Whooping cough transmits primarily through respiratory droplets produced by coughing and sneezing, which is why it moves quickly through households and classrooms. Children are less likely to cover their faces, which puts peers and family members at higher risk. Despite widespread vaccination programs, whooping cough remains a significant cause of illness and death globally, particularly among unvaccinated or under-vaccinated infants.

A low-grade fever is a common condition that is often overlooked and underestimated. When the infected individual develops a low-grade fever, it means the disease is starting to take its toll. In the context of whooping cough, a low-grade fever often signals that the illness is progressing. Clinically, a low-grade fever is generally defined as an oral temperature between 99°F and 100.3°F, above normal but below the 100.4°F threshold for a true fever. While this may not seem threatening, when it's accompanied by other symptoms, it's a reason to worry.

One of the most serious symptoms of whooping cough in infants is apnea. The word refers to an unusual cessation of breathing after a coughing fit, right after which the whooping sound can be heard. In infants, apnea can occur when the nervous system and respiratory muscles are overwhelmed by repeated coughing fits. It is one of the most serious complications of whooping cough in newborns and young infants, and a key reason why early medical attention matters for this age group.

For almost the same reasons as those related to apnea, those who suffer from whooping cough, especially children, are prone to vomiting after extensive and repeated coughing fits. Prolonged coughing fits, along with mucus accumulation in the throat, can trigger the gag reflex and cause vomiting.

When a person with a strong cough feels tired every day, even while the presence of coughing fits is reduced, they're likely experiencing the mid-stage of whooping cough. The body is simultaneously fighting an active infection and recovering from the physical strain of repeated coughing fits, which together drive a level of fatigue that doesn't improve much with rest.

While it's clear that everyone has a much more controlled diet when they're combating an illness, there are still some lost pounds that don't add up to the lack of consumption. This sudden weight loss is often either unnoticed or attributed to other factors, while it, in fact, means that the body is rapidly burning calories to fuel itself in the battle against the disease.

Whooping cough can make it difficult to get consistent sleep. Coughing fits often intensify at night, disrupting rest and making it hard to stay asleep for any meaningful stretch. Over time, this pattern of broken sleep contributes to the fatigue and exhaustion that characterize the later stages of the illness. If sleep disruption is severe or persistent, it's worth raising with a doctor.

It's hard to imagine that someone can break a rib just by coughing, but with whooping cough, it's rare but possible. The force generated by severe, prolonged coughing can put enough stress on the rib cage to cause stress fractures in some cases. It's a reminder that whooping cough is worth treating early, well before symptoms reach this point.