What are the symptoms of whooping cough in adults?

What are the symptoms of whooping cough in adults?

What are the symptoms of whooping cough?

• Coughing, violently and rapidly, until all the air has left the lungs and a person is forced to inhale, causing a “whooping” sound.
• Sneezing.
• Nasal discharge.
• Fever.
• Sore, watery eyes.
• Lips, tongue, and nailbeds may turn blue during coughing spells.

Is whooping cough fatal in adults?

It is named for the “whoop” sound that is made when coughing. Whooping cough is not a major concern for adults. It can be fatal to infants and children who haven’t yet received their pertussis vaccine.

How do I know if I have whooping cough or a cold?

It’s hard to tell at first but whooping cough lasts longer. A cold and whooping cough might seem alike in their initial stages. Both may start with a stuffy or runny nose, mild cough and sneezing. But while cold symptoms improve, whooping cough – also known as pertussis – only gets worse with time.

How do you treat whooping cough in adults?

Whooping cough treatment usually involves antibiotic therapy. Early antibiotic treatment may reduce symptom severity, speed up recovery time, and prevent people from transmitting the bacteria. A healthcare professional might prescribe antibiotics for other members of the household as well.

When is a cough serious in adults?

If a cough brings up phlegm or mucus it is called a productive cough and could suggest pneumonia, bronchitis or the flu. The color of the mucus can signal a more serious problem. You should see a doctor if your cough brings up yellowish-green phlegm or blood.

What happens if whooping cough is left untreated?

Complications of whooping cough are more common in infants and young children. They may include pneumonia, middle ear infection, loss of appetite, sleep disturbance, fainting, dehydration, seizures, altered brain function (encephalopathy), brief periods when breathing stops and death.

Can whooping cough clear up on its own?

Pertussis bacteria die off naturally after three weeks of coughing. If antibiotics are not started within that time, they are no longer recommended. Antibiotics can also be given to close contacts of persons with pertussis to prevent or lessen the symptoms.

Is whooping cough a wet cough?

The first symptoms of pertussis may be similar to those of a common cold, including nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, red and watery eyes, mild fever, and a dry cough. After about one week to 2 weeks, the dry cough becomes a wet cough that brings up thick, stringy mucus.

How long does it take to get over whooping cough in adults?

It usually takes about seven to 10 days after being exposed to the infection to start showing symptoms. Full recovery from whooping cough may take two to three months. Doctors divide whooping cough into three stages : Stage 1: The earliest stage of whooping cough may last one to two weeks.

What is lung cough?

Bronchitis is an infection of the main airways of the lungs (bronchi), causing them to become irritated and inflamed. The main symptom is a cough, which may bring up yellow-grey mucus (phlegm). Bronchitis may also cause a sore throat and wheezing. Read more about the symptoms of bronchitis.

How do you get rid of whooping cough fast?

Using a clean, cool mist vaporizer to help loosen mucus and soothe the cough. Practicing good handwashing. Encouraging your child to drink plenty of fluids, including water, juices, and soups, and eating fruits to prevent dehydration (lack of fluids). Report any signs of dehydration to your doctor immediately.

Do you need to isolate with whooping cough?

This is because two days after you finish the antibiotics you are no longer infectious. Without antibiotics, you can remain infectious for about three weeks after the bouts of coughing start. The antibiotics usually used for whooping cough are clarithromycin, azithromycin or erythromycin.

Does whooping cough start with a sore throat?

The first symptoms of whooping cough are similar to those of a cold, such as a runny nose, red and watery eyes, a sore throat, and a slightly raised temperature. Intense coughing bouts start about a week later. The bouts usually last a few minutes at a time and tend to be more common at night.

How do adults get rid of whooping cough?