Whooping cough and croup are respiratory illnesses causing distinctive coughs, often confused by parents. Both affect breathing and are more common in younger individuals, but stem from different causes and present unique characteristics. Understanding these distinctions is important for proper identification and management.
Understanding Whooping Cough
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The infection spreads easily through respiratory droplets.
The illness typically progresses through three stages. The initial stage, lasting one to two weeks, presents with cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, mild cough, and low-grade fever, during which the person is most contagious.
The second, or paroxysmal, stage, is marked by severe, uncontrolled coughing fits that can make it difficult to breathe, eat, or sleep. These coughing bouts often end with a high-pitched “whoop” sound as the person inhales, though infants may not always produce this sound and might instead experience pauses in breathing.
The third stage involves a gradual recovery, with coughing fits slowly becoming less severe over weeks or even months. Whooping cough is particularly serious for infants under one year old, often requiring hospitalization.
Understanding Croup
Croup is a common childhood respiratory condition characterized by swelling and inflammation of the upper airway, including the voice box (larynx) and windpipe (trachea). This swelling narrows the airway, making breathing noisy and difficult. Croup is primarily caused by viral infections, most commonly the parainfluenza virus.
The hallmark symptom is a distinctive “barking” cough, often compared to a seal’s sound. Children with croup may also experience hoarseness and stridor, a high-pitched, raspy sound heard when breathing in. Symptoms often worsen at night and are more common in children between six months and five years old due to their smaller airways. Most cases are mild and resolve within a few days, though severe instances can cause significant breathing problems.
Comparing Whooping Cough and Croup
While both whooping cough and croup cause respiratory distress and unique cough sounds, their underlying causes and symptom progressions differ. Whooping cough is a bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis, while croup is predominantly caused by viral infections. This difference means antibiotics can treat whooping cough, particularly if caught early, to prevent spread, but are ineffective against viral croup.
The characteristic sound of the cough is a key distinguishing factor. Whooping cough is known for its “whooping” sound during the intake of breath after a series of coughs, indicative of air struggling to enter the narrowed airways. In contrast, croup produces a harsh, “barking” cough, resembling a seal, due to swelling around the vocal cords and windpipe. Stridor, a high-pitched noisy breathing sound, is also common in croup, particularly during inhalation.
Severity and duration also vary. Whooping cough can be prolonged, with coughing fits lasting for weeks or months, and poses a significant threat, especially to unvaccinated infants who often require hospital care. Croup, while potentially severe, typically resolves within three to seven days and is often managed at home.
Contagiousness also differs. Whooping cough is highly contagious, with infected individuals able to spread the bacteria for up to three weeks if untreated. Croup is contagious for a shorter period, usually about three days after symptoms appear or until a fever subsides.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek prompt medical evaluation for infants and young children experiencing severe respiratory symptoms. For whooping cough, seek immediate care if your child has difficulty breathing, develops a blue or gray tint around the mouth or on the skin, experiences severe coughing fits, or has seizures. Infants, especially those under one year old, are particularly vulnerable and may require hospital treatment if they struggle to breathe or have breathing pauses. Vaccination against whooping cough is recommended to protect against severe illness.
For croup, medical attention is warranted if your child exhibits severe stridor even at rest, struggles to breathe, shows signs of cyanosis (bluish skin), or begins drooling or has difficulty swallowing. Other warning signs include agitation, extreme tiredness, or a rapid breathing rate. While many croup cases are mild and manageable at home, any worsening symptoms or breathing concerns should prompt a healthcare provider visit.