Pertussis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Pertussis?
A primary care doctor or a pediatrician, a doctor for children, usually diagnoses and treats pertussis, which is also called whooping cough. Serious cases, especially in babies, may need care from doctors in a hospital. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is pertussis?
Pertussis, also called whooping cough, is a respiratory infection that can cause coughing fits. The name comes from the whooping noise some people make when they try to breathe in after coughing. It is caused by bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. It is very contagious, which means it spreads easily, and it can affect anyone. It can be especially serious in babies who did not yet get the vaccine. About half of babies under age one who get whooping cough need care in the hospital.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually start within 5 to 10 days after a person is exposed. Whooping cough usually starts with cold-like symptoms that may last 1 to 2 weeks.
- Early symptoms can include a runny nose, a mild fever, and a mild, occasional cough.
- As it gets worse, there may be fits of many rapid coughs followed by a high-pitched whoop sound.
- There may be vomiting during or after coughing fits, and exhaustion after the fits.
The coughing fits get worse and happen more often, especially at night. They can last for up to 10 weeks or more. The whoop noise is rare in babies under 6 months of age and in older children or adults. Babies may cough only a little, or not at all. Babies may have apnea, which means a pause in breathing, and they may start to turn blue.
Recovery can happen slowly, as the cough gets milder and happens less often. The coughing fits can come back with another respiratory infection, even months later.
Causes and who gets it
Pertussis is caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. When an infected person sneezes or coughs, tiny droplets with the bacteria move through the air. People can also spread it by breathing very close to someone. People with pertussis are contagious for about 2 weeks after they start coughing. The disease can affect people of any age. Whooping cough can be especially serious in babies who did not yet get the vaccine.
How doctors diagnose it
A health care provider may use a medical history, which includes questions about your symptoms, and a physical exam. A lab test takes a sample of mucus from the back of the throat through the nose, using a swab or a syringe filled with saline. The sample is tested for the bacteria that cause whooping cough. A blood test and a chest x-ray may also be used. The first diagnosis is most often based on the symptoms. The lab test takes some time, so treatment is most often started before the results are ready.
Treatment
The usual treatment for whooping cough is antibiotics, which are medicines that kill bacteria. Early treatment is very important, because it may make the infection less serious and can help prevent spreading it to others. Treatment after you have been sick for 3 weeks or longer may not help. Whooping cough can sometimes be very serious and need treatment in the hospital. Babies younger than 18 months need constant supervision because their breathing may stop for a short time during coughing spells. Cough mixtures are most often not helpful and should not be used.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you or your child has symptoms of pertussis. Call 911 or the local emergency number, or go to an emergency room, if the person has bluish skin color or periods of stopped breathing. Also call 911 for seizures, a high fever, vomiting that keeps happening, or dehydration.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can review your vaccine history and talk with you about the DTaP and Tdap vaccines.
Common questions
Is whooping cough contagious?
Yes, whooping cough is very contagious. A person with pertussis is contagious for about 2 weeks after the coughing starts. Antibiotics may shorten the time that you are contagious.
Can whooping cough be prevented?
Yes, vaccines are the best way to prevent whooping cough. Two vaccines in the United States, called DTaP and Tdap, help prevent it. Pregnant women should get a dose of Tdap during every pregnancy, between 27 and 36 weeks, to protect the newborn.
How long does whooping cough last?
The symptoms of whooping cough often last 6 weeks, but they can last as long as 10 weeks. Recovery can happen slowly, as the cough gets milder and happens less often.
Why is whooping cough dangerous for babies?
It can be very serious for babies because it can pause their breathing. Infants have the highest risk of death from pertussis. About half of babies under age one who get whooping cough need care in the hospital.
Do antibiotics help with whooping cough?
Yes, antibiotics are the usual treatment, and they work best when started early. If you have been sick for 3 weeks or longer, they may not help your symptoms. Antibiotics can still help reduce the spread of the disease to others.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
