How do I know if my toddler has whooping cough?
After 1 to 2 weeks and as the disease progresses, the traditional symptoms of pertussis may appear and include: Paroxysms (fits) of many, rapid coughs followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound. Vomiting (throwing up) during or after coughing fits. Exhaustion (very tired) after coughing fits.
What does whooping cough sound like in a 2 year old?
The cough is due to lots of thick mucus in the lungs and throat, which can make it hard to breathe. In toddlers and children, coughing spells often last a minute or longer and can cause: A loud “whoop” at the end of the cough. This is the sound of the child trying to get air back into his or her lungs.
Can a 2 year old get whooping?
It mainly affects babies younger than 6 months old who aren’t yet protected by immunizations, and kids 11 to 18 years old whose immunity has started to fade. Whooping cough causes severe coughing spells, which can sometimes end in a “whooping” sound when the child breathes in.
How long does whooping cough last in toddlers?
Whooping cough usually starts with cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose and dry cough, which last for about one week. After that, a more definite cough develops, which may last for 10 weeks or more. The cough comes in long spells and often ends with a high-pitched ‘whoop’ sound when the child breathes in.
When should I be concerned about my toddler’s cough?
If your toddler develops any of the following symptoms along with their cough, it’s time to call their pediatrician according to the American Academy of Pediatrics: Their cough is accompanied by wheezing, whistling, or stridor. Their cough lasts more than three weeks. They vomit or turn red during coughing fits.
How serious is whooping cough in toddlers?
Whooping cough can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening complications in babies. This is especially true within the first 6 months of life. It is important to know that many babies with whooping cough don’t cough at all. Instead it causes them to stop breathing and turn blue.
Can vaccinated toddler get whooping cough?
If pertussis is circulating in the community, there’s a chance that even a fully vaccinated person of any age can catch this very contagious disease. But if you received pertussis vaccines, your infection is usually less serious.
How is whooping cough treated in toddlers?
Treatment for pertussis Whooping cough is treated with an antibiotic that is most effective when given in the first stage of illness, before the coughing spells begin. Although antibiotics can stop the spread of the whooping cough infection, they cannot prevent or treat the cough itself.
Should I take my child to the ER for whooping cough?
Keep an eye on him or her during coughing spells; if your child turns blue in the face, you should seek emergency medical attention. If your child stops breathing, call 911 and begin performing CPR. Other concerning symptoms that call for a trip to the ER include severe vomiting, dehydration, and uncontrollable fever.
How long do COVID symptoms last in toddlers?
How long will COVID-19 last if my child gets it? Symptoms can last anywhere from 1 to 21 or more days. If your child gets COVID-19 they should stay quarantined at home for 10 days after positive testing or onset of symptoms, and must demonstrate improving symptoms without fever for 24 hours.