Page last updated
19 March 2024
Whooping cough usually begins like a cold. Early symptoms can last for 1 or 2 weeks and may include:
- A blocked or runny nose
- Sneezing
- Mild fever
- A cough
FAQ
What are the symptoms of whooping cough?
The cough can gradually get worse and severe bouts of uncontrollable coughing can develop. Coughing bouts can be followed by vomiting, choking, or taking a big gasping breath, which causes a ‘whooping’ sound. The cough can last for many weeks and can be worse at night.2
Some newborns may not cough at all, but they can stop breathing and turn blue. Some babies have difficulties feeding and can choke or gag.2,5
The severity of symptoms may vary in adults. Scientific studies suggest that 1 in 20 adults with a prolonged cough have whooping cough.7
Complications of whooping cough are usually less serious in adults, especially if you have been vaccinated. In one study, the most common complications reported were:
- Weight loss
- Loss of bladder control
- Rib fracture from severe coughing
- Passing out5
Sources & Citations
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pertussis Clinical features. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/clinical/features.html (accessed 28 March 2022).
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pertussis Complications. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/about/complications.html (accessed 28 March 2022).
7. Pimentel AM, et al. Braz J Infect Dis 2015;19(1):43–46.
MAT-AU-2200966 Date of preparation June 2022