Quick read
Key points
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Pertussis (whooping cough) is a severe bacterial infection that was common in children before immunization. Your child may be feverish and have cold symptoms 7–21 days after contact. Then spasms of coughing develop with a typical high-pitched "whoop" as the child breathes in.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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Your child's condition deteriorates at any point during the illness.
01 · Know
What is Pertussis?
Pertussis (whooping cough) is a severe bacterial infection that was common in children before immunization. Your child may be feverish and have cold symptoms 7–21 days after contact. Then spasms of coughing develop with a typical high-pitched "whoop" as the child breathes in.
Coughing is usually worse at night and may trigger vomiting. The illness can be serious in small babies. See a doctor immediately if you suspect pertussis — early antibiotic treatment can reduce severity and help prevent spread to others.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
See your doctor immediately
Arrange to see your doctor immediately if you suspect that your child has pertussis. Early diagnosis and treatment is important, especially for infants.
03 · Act
Seek further medical advice if:
- 1Your child's condition deteriorates at any point during the illness.
- 2You need to check that your child is fit to return to school — coughing fits can continue for several months after the illness.
- 3A family member or close contact of the child develops a cough — pertussis spreads easily before symptoms are obvious.
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Do not use cough medicines
Cough suppressants and expectorants do not help with pertussis and should not be given. Focus on comfort, hydration, and reducing triggers instead.
- 1Be calm and reassuring.Coughing fits are frightening for children. Stay close, be calm, and reassure your child during and after each spasm. Share night-time care with a partner if possible.
- 2Offer plenty of clear fluids.Try honey and lemon drinks to soothe the throat — but do not give honey to babies under 1 year old.
- 3Give analgesics for fever.Acetaminophen (as liquid or chewable pills) or ibuprofen (as liquid) will reduce fever and discomfort. Ask your pharmacist to recommend an appropriate product for your child's age and weight.
- 4Offer small, soft meals.Serve soft, easy-to-swallow foods in small portions to help prevent vomiting after coughing spasms.
- 5Keep the home free of irritants.Keep your home completely free of tobacco smoke and aerosol sprays, which can trigger or worsen coughing fits.
Practical technique
Practical technique — humidifying the air
Soothing irritated airways at home
Humidified air can help loosen mucus and ease coughing. Use one of these methods consistently, especially at night when coughing tends to be worse.
- Humidifier: Place a cool-mist humidifier near your child's bed. Clean it regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions to prevent mold.
- Wet towel: Hang a damp towel close to a radiator in the room — as it dries, it adds moisture to the air.
- Steam bathroom: Sit with your child in the bathroom and run hot water in the bath or shower to create steam. Stay for 10–15 minutes.
Avoid essential oils or mentholated products in very young children — these can be too strong for small airways. Plain moist air is safest.
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Whooping cough can be serious, especially in infants. Immunization is the best protection — make sure your child is vaccinated according to the recommended schedule.
If you suspect pertussis, see a doctor immediately. Early treatment can reduce severity and prevent spread to others.