Cough
Coughs vary in intensity based on potential underlying conditions. If your cough is accompanied by fever, breathing difficulties or excess phlegm, it could be a symptom of flu, bronchitis or pneumonia. Seek urgent care if your cough persists without improving.
Whooping cough services at our clinics
We understand that a consistent cough can interfere with your day-to-day, and we can help with that.
If you have whooping cough, our clinics support your condition with compassionate care. Treatments may include the use of antibiotics, a vaccine and some simple at-home solutions that may help manage symptoms.
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Whooping cough treatment
Whooping cough is caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It is highly contagious and spreads by coughing, sneezing and even breathing. Navigating whooping cough, especially for the first time, can be unnerving, but we can help you.
What are whooping cough symptoms?
Early symptoms of whooping cough include low-grade fever, a runny nose and a mild cough. After several days, more serious symptoms may appear:
- Violent coughing fits, often followed by a “whoop”
- Throwing up during or after a coughing fit
- Extreme tiredness after a coughing fit
Whooping cough can cause apnea, or a temporary stopping of breathing, in infants. Contact a physician immediately if a baby is gasping for breath.
Call 911 and go to the emergency department if an infant or child has any of these symptoms:
- Bluish skin
- Pause in breathing (even a second)
- High fever
- Frequent vomiting
- Dehydration
- Seizures
How is whooping cough treated?
Consult a provider if you notice symptoms. Prescription antibiotics can shorten the illness.
These tips can reduce symptoms:
- Get rid of irritants that make coughing worse, such as dust, smoke or fumes
- Use a humidifier to soothe coughs
- Eat smaller meals to prevent throwing up
- Drink fluids to prevent dehydration
- Avoid cough medicines because they can cause harmful side effects
Whooping cough vaccine
Healthcare providers recommend a whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine for protection. The whooping cough vaccine comes in a combination shot. The recommended immunization for children younger than 7 is a diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine. The recommendation immunization for anyone older than 7 is called the tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine.