Whooping cough, medically known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. While often associated with infants and young children, this illness can affect individuals of any age, including adults. Recognizing the symptoms of whooping cough in adults is important for timely diagnosis, helping prevent its spread to more vulnerable populations, particularly unvaccinated infants.
The Adult Cough Sound
The cough associated with whooping cough in adults often presents differently than the classic “whoop” heard in children. While children may exhibit a distinctive high-pitched gasp for air after a coughing fit, this characteristic sound is frequently absent or less pronounced in adults. Instead, adults typically experience prolonged, violent, and uncontrollable coughing fits, also known as paroxysms.
These severe coughing bouts can lead to difficulty breathing, gagging, or even vomiting. The intensity of these paroxysms can cause significant exhaustion. Such coughing fits can occur both day and night, severely disrupting sleep and daily activities. The persistent and forceful nature of the cough, rather than a specific sound, often characterizes adult pertussis.
Factors Influencing the Sound
The difference in the cough sound between adults and children largely stems from several physiological and immunological factors. Adults often possess some level of partial immunity, either from childhood vaccinations or prior exposure to the Bordetella pertussis bacterium. This partial immunity, while not always preventing infection, can lead to a milder disease course where the classic “whoop” sound does not develop. The effectiveness of vaccines also decreases over time, contributing to milder symptoms in vaccinated adults who contract the illness.
Additionally, the more developed airways and larger lung capacity in adults allow for better airflow compared to the smaller, more susceptible airways of infants. These anatomical differences mean adults are less likely to experience the forceful inhalation against a constricted airway that produces the whooping sound. Consequently, the cough in adults tends to be a more generalized, persistent, and hacking cough rather than the distinctive inspiratory whoop.
Other Indicators in Adults
Since the cough sound alone may not be a definitive indicator in adults, other accompanying symptoms help identify whooping cough. The illness often begins with mild, cold-like symptoms, known as the catarrhal stage, lasting one to two weeks. These initial signs include a runny nose, sneezing, a low-grade fever, and a mild, occasional cough.
As the disease progresses, the cough intensifies into severe paroxysms. Following these intense coughing fits, adults may experience post-tussive vomiting, where they vomit after coughing. Exhaustion after coughing bouts is also common, and in severe cases, the force of the cough can lead to complications such as cracked ribs or fainting. Lips and nailbeds may even turn blue during prolonged coughing spells due to lack of oxygen.
When to Consult a Professional
Seeking medical attention promptly is important if an adult experiences symptoms suggestive of whooping cough. Early diagnosis allows for effective treatment and helps prevent further transmission of the highly contagious bacterium. This is particularly important to protect vulnerable individuals, such as infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated, and immunocompromised individuals.
Individuals should consult a healthcare professional if they experience prolonged, severe coughing fits. This is especially true if these are accompanied by vomiting, difficulty breathing, or if there has been known exposure to someone with whooping cough.