Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It primarily affects the respiratory tract, causing severe coughing fits. While vomiting is not generally considered a hallmark symptom of whooping cough, it can occur in some cases. In this blog, we’ll explain the most common symptoms of pertussis and when to seek medical attention.

For same-day general illness treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care South Plainfield. We provide urgent care seven days a week with no appointment necessary. Just walk-in!

Understanding Whooping Cough

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that infects the lungs. It causes repeated coughing that can inflame the airways and can last for 2 to 4 months in certain individuals. Like many infectious lung diseases, it is spread when infected droplets of cough and sneezes get in contact with the eyes and mouth of an uninfected person. Children and aged adults are at risk of experiencing severe whooping cough complications, including pneumonia, severe dehydration, and even death. The symptoms of whooping cough can vary from person to person depending on the severity of infection and the overall health of the individual affected.

Whooping Cough Symptoms

The first symptoms of whooping cough are similar to having a cold. Infected people experience runny nose, red and watery eyes which can sometimes be itchy, sore throat, inflamed luny airways, and a slight raised temperature. During the first few weeks of infection, cough may be less prominent and more coughing bouts commences as the weeks go by.

The coughing bouts last for a few seconds or minutes and can be accompanied with thick mucus of unusual color. Coughing occurs more at night and may sometimes be followed up with vomiting. Between each coughing bouts, the affected person may gasp for air, creating a “whoop” sound. Hence, the name whooping cough.

During coughing, the infected person's face may become red and signs of bleeding or redness can be noticed in the eyes. In younger kids, cyanosis, a situation where the child turns blue temporarily due to lack of air, can occur and this disappears as soon as the child inhales oxygen. For parents with younger kids, whooping cough can be trucker to diagnose as the kid may not cough but experience a brief period of not breathing.

Getting Whooping Cough Treatment at Urgent Care

When you visit an urgent care center, a healthcare provider will typically perform a physical examination to determine if you have a whooping cough. They do this by using a sterile swab to collect mucus from your nose for testing. They can also help reduce nasal congestion by using saline fluid to remove clogged mucus. The swab is then analyzed in the laboratory for the presence of Bordetella bacteria. They may also request blood tests to confirm the presence of the bacteria.

Once confirmed, your healthcare provider will provide medications to reduce your cough as well as administer pain reducers to reduce inflammation. For vomiting, you may be given medications that reduce or prevent you from vomiting while coughing. If you feel dehydrated, the care center will provide IV fluids to restore hydration and maintain energy.

Get Same-Day Care at AFC Urgent Care South Plainfield

If you or a member of your family is beginning to exhibit symptoms of illness, don’t wait to receive treatment! At AFC Urgent Care South Plainfield, your health and wellness is our top priority. The center is open seven days a week with convenient hours so you can get the care you need when you need it. We provide patients of all ages from South Plainfield, Edison, and the surrounding communities with walk-in extended-hour access to medical care for acute illnesses. If you have any additional questions about whooping cough, or other services we provide, please contact us directly at (908) 222-3500.