Pertussis in Children

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 6, 2024.

• Care notes
• Aftercare
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
• Inpatient
• Español

What do I need to know about pertussis?

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs. Your child's air passages narrow and get plugged with thick mucus. This may cause him or her to have coughing spells. Anyone can have pertussis, but it is most serious in babies and young children. A baby may get pertussis before he or she is old enough to get the shots to prevent the infection. Pertussis is caused by bacteria. It is easily spread in the air when someone with pertussis coughs or sneezes.

What are the signs and symptoms of pertussis?

It may take 3 to 21 days for your child to get pertussis after contact with the bacteria. This time is called the incubation period. Pertussis begins like a cold. After a coughing spell, it may seem like your child cannot get his or her next breath. When the coughing ends and your child takes a breath, he or she may make a whooping noise. When he or she coughs, his or her face or fingertips may turn red, blue, or white because he or she is not getting enough oxygen. This may last 2 weeks or longer. After 2 to 4 more weeks, your child will begin to feel better. The cough may last 1 to 3 months. Your child may also have the following signs and symptoms:

• Sneezing and a stuffy nose
• Red or watery eyes
• A cough that may worsen after 7 to 14 days
• Fever
• Fatigue
• No interest in eating or drinking
• Vomiting because of the coughing
• Drooling

How is pertussis diagnosed?

Your child's healthcare provider will do a physical exam and listen to his or her lungs. He or she will ask how long your child has been sick. Tell him or her if your child has other medical conditions or has been around anyone with pertussis. He or she may order the following tests:

• Blood tests will help your child's healthcare provider find out if he or she has an infection.
• A nasal swab is a test that may help healthcare providers learn which type of germ is causing your child's illness. It is done by placing a cotton swab into your child's nose to collect a sample of nasal mucus.
• A chest x-ray may be done to look for signs of infection, such as pneumonia.

How is pertussis treated?

Babies and young children are more likely to have serious breathing problems with pertussis. They may need to go into the hospital for tests and treatment. If your child is treated at home, he or she may need any of the following:

• NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If your child takes blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for him or her. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children younger than 6 months without direction from a healthcare provider.
• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to give your child and how often to give it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines your child uses to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your child's doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
• Antibiotics help treat or prevent a bacterial infection.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• azithromycin
• Azithromycin Dose Pack
• Zithromax
• Erythrocin
• Biaxin XL

View more treatment options

How can I manage my child's symptoms?

Your child's cough may last 10 weeks or longer. It may be worse at night. Coughing helps keep mucus from clogging his or her lungs. Any of the following may help your child:

• Wash hands often. Help your child wash his or her hands after he or she coughs, sneezes, or uses the bathroom. Also wash your hands after changing diapers and before preparing or eating food.
• Help your child during a coughing spell. If your child has a coughing spell, put him or her on his or her side in the crib or bed. This is a safe position because it will keep your child from choking if he or she vomits. You may also hold your child in a sitting position during a coughing spell. Help your coughing child sit up and lean forward if he or she is older. This makes it easier to cough and bring up mucus from the lungs.
• Help keep your baby's airways clear. Use a bulb syringe to gently clean your baby's nose. Wash the bulb syringe after each use. Clean your baby's nose before breast or bottle feeding so he or she can breathe easier while feeding. You may need to feed your baby smaller amounts more often if he or she gets tired during feedings. Clean your baby's nose before you put him or her down to sleep.
• Use a cool mist humidifier to increase air moisture in your home. This may make it easier for your child to breathe and help decrease his or her cough.
• Give your child liquids as directed. Ask how much liquid to give him or her each day and what liquids are best for him or her. You may need to give him or her small amounts of liquid every hour when he or she is awake. This will help prevent dehydration. Good liquids to drink are water or fruit juices. Limit caffeine.
• Give your child small, healthy meals often. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Healthy foods may give him or her energy and help him or her feel better.
• Help your child rest as much as possible until he or she begins to feel better.
• Do not smoke around your child or let anyone smoke around him or her. His or her breathing and coughing may get worse if he or she is near smoke.

How can I help prevent the spread of pertussis?

• Help protect others from pertussis. Do not let your child go to school or daycare until his or her healthcare provider says it is okay.
• Talk to your child's healthcare provider about vaccines. A pertussis infection will not make your child immune from another infection. The DTaP and Tdap vaccines help protect against pertussis. The vaccines are given to children in several doses. Your child's provider can help you create a schedule so you know when to bring your child in. If your adolescent is pregnant, she should get a dose of Tdap during weeks 27 to 36. Tdap will help your adolescent build antibodies against pertussis bacteria. She will also pass the antibodies to her unborn baby. This helps protect her baby from infection until his or her immune system is developed.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• Your child has more severe coughing spells.
• Your child is short of breath or works hard to breathe.
• The skin between his or her ribs or above his or her breastbone pulls in with each breath.
• Your child's nostrils are flaring with each breath.

Call your child's pediatrician if:

• Your child's lips or fingernails are blue or white.
• Your child has been vomiting and cannot keep anything down.
• Your child has the following signs of dehydration:
  • Crying without tears
  • Dry mouth or tongue
  • Fussiness, sleepiness, or dizziness
  • Sunken soft spot on the top of his or her head (if your baby is younger than 1 year)
  • Urinating less than usual
  • Wrinkled skin
• Your child has a fever.
• Your child is not drinking liquids.
• Your child's cough is getting worse.
• Your child is tugging his or her ears or has ear pain.
• Your child is not sleeping or resting because of the cough.
• You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer