Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a dangerous respiratory illness characterized by nighttime coughing, shrill sounds, and lack of response to medication. This condition can be easily mistaken for a cold in the early stages, leading to delayed treatment and potentially severe complications.
One of the main symptoms of whooping cough is the presence of nighttime coughing spells, accompanied by high-pitched noises and persistent coughing that does not improve with medication. Coughing attacks can occur up to 15-20 times in a row and may be accompanied by vomiting. The most severe symptoms can last for 2-6 weeks, with coughing gradually decreasing but potentially lasting over 100 days during recovery.
Children under one year old are at high risk of serious complications from whooping cough, including pneumonia, apnea, seizures, encephalopathy, and even death. Elderly individuals are also at risk of complications such as fainting, broken ribs, weight loss, and severe pneumonia.
On the other hand, individuals with colds typically experience symptoms like runny nose, stuffy nose
