A chronic cough that doesn't go away for weeks is often dismissed. We often attribute it to an "untreated cold" or weakness following an infection. However, it could be whooping cough. We're talking about a dangerous infectious disease that has recently resurfaced in both children and adults.
At NZOZ Your Doctor, we're seeing increased interest in pertussis diagnostics. It's important to know how to recognize the first symptoms and when to seek medical attention.
What is whooping cough and who does it affect?
Whooping cough is a bacterial respiratory disease. It is spread through respiratory droplets during coughing and sneezing. It is highly contagious. The risk of infection after close contact with an infected person is high.
Although many people associate it with childhood illness, today it also affects adolescents and adults. Those particularly at risk of severe symptoms include:
- babies and small children,
- pregnant women and newborns,
- elderly people,
- patients with chronic diseases,
- people who have not received a booster dose of vaccination in the last 10 years.
Immunity following vaccination or illness is not lasting. Protection declines over time, which is why booster doses are so important.
The most common symptoms of whooping cough
At first, whooping cough may resemble the common cold, making it easy to miss.
Early symptoms:
- dry, increasing cough,
- rhinitis,
- subfebrile condition,
- sore throat,
- general weakness.
This stage usually lasts 1–2 weeks.
Paroxysmal coughing phase
Over time, characteristic coughing fits develop. They consist of a series of rapid coughs, often followed by a wheezing sound.
In young children the following may occur:
- facial bruising,
- apnea,
- vomiting after a coughing fit,
- petechiae on the skin of the face.
The cough can persist for many weeks. In adults, it can be less dramatic, but chronic and very tiring.
Why shouldn't you ignore the symptoms?
Whooping cough isn't just a severe cough. If left untreated, it can lead to complications such as:
- pneumonia,
- breathing disorders in infants,
- weight loss due to vomiting,
- fainting and injuries related to coughing fits.
Additionally, a sick person infects others, often unaware that pertussis is the cause of their symptoms. Newborns who have not yet received the full vaccination schedule are particularly at risk.
What does diagnostics look like at the clinic?
If pertussis is suspected, a medical consultation is crucial. The doctor will conduct a thorough interview, assess the nature of the cough, and assess the duration of symptoms. Paid antigen tests for pertussis, performed using a nasopharyngeal swab, are available at NZOZ Twój Lekarz. The test can speed up the confirmation or exclusion of infection and facilitate treatment decisions. Depending on the stage of the disease, the doctor may also order additional laboratory tests.
Treatment of whooping cough
Treatment primarily involves the use of an antibiotic selected by a doctor.
It is worth knowing that:
- the antibiotic shortens the period of contagiousness,
- does not always cause immediate relief of cough,
- It is crucial to start therapy as early as possible.
During illness, medical supervision is necessary, especially in young children, pregnant women and the elderly.
The role of vaccinations
Pertussis vaccination is mandatory for children. A booster dose is recommended for adults every 10 years. Vaccinating pregnant women allows for the transfer of antibodies to the baby before birth and protection during the first months of life. The balance of benefits and risks clearly favors vaccination. It is the most effective method of protection against severe disease.
Listen to a conversation with a specialist
If you want to better understand why whooping cough is making a comeback, how it progresses in children and adults, and what role vaccinations play, we encourage you to listen to the podcast episode WHAT DOES YOUR DOCTOR SAY? dedicated to this disease.
In a conversation with a pediatrician, we discuss patients' most frequently asked questions and address concerns about the safety and effectiveness of vaccinations. This is a reliable, accessible source of information that will help you make informed health decisions. A transcript of the conversation is available. here.
When should you see a doctor?
It is not worth delaying your visit if:
- the cough lasts longer than 2–3 weeks,
- coughing fits are severe and make breathing difficult,
- vomiting occurs after coughing,
- there was a confirmed case of whooping cough in the environment,
- you are pregnant or caring for a newborn.
Early diagnosis protects not only you, but also your loved ones.
That's what matters most.
Whooping cough is a disease that isn't a thing of the past. It can affect both children and adults, and its initial symptoms can easily be confused with a cold.
In clinics NZOZ Your Doctor We provide comprehensive care: consultation with a primary care physician or pediatrician, the possibility of performing a diagnostic test and providing preventive vaccinations.
If you're concerned about a persistent cough or want to check your vaccination status, schedule an appointment with our clinic. Together, let's ensure your health and the safety of your family.