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Privacy NoticeHaving a cough is never a nice experience, especially when it doesn’t seem to be shifting no matter how much lemon and honey you take or how much water you drink. According to data published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), there has been a continued increase in whooping cough cases since the beginning of this year – meaning that your niggly cough could be something more than you think it is. “It seems harmless enough but then the infection progresses to severe and prolonged coughing fits. If left untreated, whooping cough can lead to complications like pneumonia, weight loss, urinary incontinence and rib fractures from severe coughing. In rare cases, it can be life threatening, especially in infants and older adults,” explains Dr Johannes Uys, a doctor at Broadgate GP.
Whooping cough can lead to complications including pneumonia
(Image: GETTY)
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As Dr Andy Whittamore, clinical lead at charity Asthma + Lung UK, states, it can be hard to determine whether a cough is whooping cough in the initial stages. He says: “It can be difficult to tell the difference between the infection and a head cold and hay fever at first.” As a result, it’s important to know what symptoms to look out for. As the bacteria that causes whooping cough attach to the cells of the upper respiratory tract, it can cause symptoms such as a runny nose, a sore throat and a cough.
Whooping cough is characterised by episodes of numerous rapid coughs
(Image: GETTY)
“After a two-week period, the cough becomes more severe and is characterised by episodes of numerous rapid coughs, followed by a high-pitched whoop. These episodes frequently end with the coughing up of a thick, clear mucus, sometimes followed by vomiting,” explains NHS GP Dr Sanjeev Kalia. Because of the coughing, people may strain so much that it can result in bleeding under the skin or in the eyes which can make them look bloodshot. “The infection can last for several weeks or months,” says Dr Whittamore.
It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of whooping cough
(Image: GETTY)
While adults who were vaccinated as children will have a level of protection, they can still experience symptoms. Additionally, people with a weakened immune system, such as the elderly or those on certain treatments, such as cancer patients, will have an increased risk of complications from whooping cough. If you do catch whooping cough, it’s important to avoid contact with others as it is very contagious. The NHS recommends staying off work or school for 48 hours if you’re taking antibiotics or three weeks if you’re not. Severe cases may also require a hospital stay. It’s important to seek medical advice too and to ensure that you’re getting plenty of rest and are keeping hydrated.Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnHealth
