When the sniffles and coughs begin, it’s important to understand the cause: is it just a common cold, or could it be something more serious like whooping cough? Here’s how to tell the difference.
Understanding the Common Cold
The common cold is a viral infection of your nose and throat. It’s usually harmless and characterized by a runny nose, sore throat, coughing, and sneezing. Colds rarely cause fever or headaches and they usually resolve on their own within a week to ten days.
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Mild to moderate coughing
- Sneezing
- Fatigue
- Mild headache
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. In many people, it’s marked by a severe, hacking cough followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like “whoop.”
- Severe coughing fits
- “Whooping” sound when gasping for air after a coughing fit
- Vomiting after coughing
- Fatigue after coughing spells
- A possible fever
- Common Cold: Gradual; typically begins with a sore throat and runny nose.
- Whooping Cough: Starts like a cold but develops severe coughing fits after 1-2 weeks.
- Common Cold: Mild to moderate and productive.
- Whooping Cough: Severe and dry with a characteristic whoop sound.
- Common Cold: Peaks around 3-5 days and resolves within a week.
- Whooping Cough: Prolonged illness that can last for months.
- Common Cold: No vaccine available.
- Whooping Cough: Preventable by vaccine.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect whooping cough, it is imperative to see a healthcare provider immediately. They can perform tests, including a
sterile swab of the back of the nose or throat, to distinguish it from the common cold.
- Rest and hydration.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) cold remedies.
- Throat lozenges and saline nasal drops or sprays.
- Antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading.
- Hospitalization in severe cases, especially for infants.
The best way to prevent whooping cough is through vaccination. The DTaP vaccine is typically administered in childhood, and a booster vaccine, Tdap, is recommended for adolescents and adults.
Remember, the common cold is far less serious than whooping cough, but it’s essential to monitor symptoms, especially in children. When in doubt, seek medical advice to ensure the proper diagnosis and treatment.
