By whooping cough, we refer to an extremely contagious RTI, the main cause of which is usually a bacterium called Bordetella pertussis that spreads very easily through direct contact or by air through nasal discharge or discharge from the mouth.


It affects mainly children and kids, but is frequently attacking adults nowadays. This is a very common disease among children, especially in Canada.



When a child suffers from whooping cough, he/she will cough violently and incessantly in relentless fits and spasms which last over a minute and at the end of the coughing spell, the child will turn purple or red from effort, exhaustion and the exertion it involves.


He/she may even vomit at the end. After the fit subsides, when the child will draw in breath, there will be a whooping sound. This can last for 6 weeks to 12 weeks and that’s why it is called “100 day cough”.


Symptoms of whooping cough in children, kids and infants
The earliest symptoms of whooping cough is the same as those of common cold and include signs like tiredness, fatigue, tears, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, night cough, mild fever which may not be present in certain cases, mild cough, low grade fever, loss of appetite. Later on, after a fortnight, the violent spells of coughing will resume.


Symptoms in adult cases
Although it was commonly believed that adults don’t get whooping cough, latest reports and medical research has conclusively proved that adult/adolescent whooping cough accounts for almost 50% of the cases nowadays.


Adults won’t display the classical or typical signs. Symptoms, in their cases, will be much milder and often the only indication will be a persistent dry cough, which makes it difficult to diagnose and it often goes unnoticed.


When should you call the doctor?
If your child has whooping cough and is displaying symptoms like convulsions or seizures, problems in breathing or breathlessness, persistent vomiting, high fever, dehydration along with a bluish tint in the skin, it is time to seek immediate medical assistance. Such a child may have to be hospitalized for he/she will require 24×7 monitoring and supportive care.

Tags: Adult Cases, Bacterium, Bordetella Pertussis, Common Disease, Cough Symptoms, Dehydration, Exertion, High Fever, Loss Of Appetite, Low Grade Fever, Mild Cough, Mild Fever, Nasal Discharge, Night Cough, Persistent Cough, Persistent Dry Cough, Runny Nose, Sore Throat, Symptoms Of Whooping Cough, Typical Signs