Overview
Whooping cough can be very dangerous for babies. Vaccination in childhood and pregnancy protects against it.
Symptoms
- Cold-like symptoms at first
- Severe coughing fits, often worse at night
- A whooping sound when breathing in after coughing
- Vomiting after coughing
- Pauses in breathing in babies
Causes and risk factors
It is caused by Bordetella pertussis and spreads through coughs and sneezes. Unvaccinated babies are at highest risk.
Diagnosis
A swab or blood test confirms it.
Treatment
Antibiotics help if given early. Babies often need hospital care.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for severe coughing fits. Seek emergency care if a baby has pauses in breathing, turns blue or struggles to feed.
This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. For a medical emergency, call +92-51-8446666 or go to the nearest emergency department.
