Whooping Cough: Symptoms, Stages, and When to Seek Help

At Premier Acute Care Services, we understand how concerning respiratory illnesses like whooping cough (pertussis) can be for you and your loved ones. Whooping cough often starts with symptoms similar to a common cold—runny nose, mild cough, sneezing, low-grade fever, and watery eyes—lasting about one to two weeks. As the infection progresses, the cough becomes more severe and persistent. Classic signs include intense fits of rapid coughing, followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound when breathing in. These coughing spells can make it difficult to breathe and may lead to vomiting or extreme tiredness.

Infants may not have the typical “whoop,” but they can experience pauses in breathing (apnea) or difficulty catching their breath. Because complications can be serious, especially in infants and young children, it’s important to seek prompt medical attention.
If you or your child is experiencing severe coughing, difficulty breathing, or episodes of apnea, contact us immediately. Our experienced medical team is here to provide timely evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment to help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Your health and safety are our top priority.

At Premier Acute Care Services, we understand how distressing and exhausting the coughing stage of whooping cough—also known as the paroxysmal stage—can be for patients and their families. This phase typically lasts between one to six weeks, but in some cases, it can continue for up to ten weeks or longer. During this time, individuals experience frequent, severe coughing fits that often end with a characteristic “whoop” sound when inhaling.

Our medical team at Premier Acute Care Services is experienced in managing the intense and persistent symptoms of whooping cough. We provide personalized care to help alleviate discomfort, monitor for complications, and support recovery, especially during the most challenging phases of the illness. Because the severity and duration of symptoms can vary based on age, vaccination status, and overall health, our providers tailor each treatment plan to the unique needs of our patients.

Even after the most severe coughing has improved, a milder cough may linger for several weeks. Our clinicians remain available to guide you through the full course of the illness, offering follow-up and further evaluation as needed to ensure the best possible outcomes. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms consistent with whooping cough, don’t hesitate to contact us for prompt evaluation and compassionate care.

At Premier Acute Care Services, we prioritize rapid diagnosis and effective treatment of acute illnesses, including whooping cough (pertussis). Recognizing the stages of this highly contagious respiratory infection is essential for early intervention and optimal patient outcomes.

Stages of Whooping Cough:

Catarrhal Stage:

This initial phase lasts 1–2 weeks and often mimics a mild cold, with symptoms such as a runny nose, mild cough, sneezing, slight fever, and watery eyes. Because these signs are non-specific, whooping cough can be easily overlooked. However, this is when the infection is most contagious. If you or your child is experiencing persistent cold-like symptoms, Premier Acute Care Services can provide a timely evaluation to rule out pertussis and help prevent its spread.

Paroxysmal Stage:

Lasting up to 6 weeks or longer, this stage is marked by severe, uncontrollable coughing fits. These episodes may end with a characteristic “whoop” sound, especially in children, and can be accompanied by vomiting or extreme fatigue. Such intense symptoms can be alarming and may lead to complications, particularly in infants and young children. Our acute care team is equipped to manage these symptoms, offering supportive care and guidance to minimize risks and discomfort.

Understanding the progression of whooping cough enables our providers to diagnose and treat the infection promptly, reducing complications and limiting transmission to others. If you suspect whooping cough or are experiencing persistent cough, contact us for expert evaluation and care.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can pose serious risks, especially to infants, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. At Premier Acute Care Services, we understand the urgency and importance of prompt medical attention for you and your family.

You should visit us if you or your child experiences symptoms such as severe, persistent coughing fits—particularly those accompanied by a “whooping” sound when inhaling, vomiting after coughing, difficulty breathing, or any signs of turning blue or purple. If your child or infant shows even mild symptoms like an ongoing cough or pauses in breathing (apnea), seek immediate care, as complications can develop rapidly in young patients.

If you or a family member has been exposed to someone diagnosed with whooping cough, especially if anyone in your household is at higher risk for complications, early evaluation at Premier Acute Care Services is essential. Timely diagnosis allows for the most effective treatment, as antibiotics work best in the early stages of the illness.

Persistent coughs lasting more than two weeks, or those that disrupt eating, sleeping, or daily activities, should not be ignored. Pregnant women, in particular, should seek prompt assessment if they are exposed to or experience symptoms of whooping cough, to protect both themselves and their unborn child.

The effectiveness of antibiotics for pertussis depends heavily on timing. Dr. Walid Hammad and Dr. Khaled Said at Premier Acute Care Services stress the importance of Timely Intervention. They use their knowledge of the disease’s stages to determine the best course of whooping cough treatment, noting that antibiotics are most effective during the initial cold-like stage to shorten the illness and prevent contagion. They advise patients when to visit to maximize the treatment window.

If you have concerns about whooping cough or need immediate care, don’t hesitate to visit us—we’re here for you and your family when you need us most. For more information, contact us today or check-in online. We are open 7 days a week and have two convenient locations to serve you in Alexandria VA, and Ruther Glen/Ladysmith VA. We serve patients from Alexandria VA, Ruther Glen VA, Huntington VA, Arlington VA, Bagdad VA, Athens VA, Doswell VA, and surrounding areas.