08 December 2023 , 10:29
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A spike in suspected cases of the so-called '100-day-cough' is sweeping the UK – and one of its more unusual symptoms can be spotted at night.
Whooping cough (pertussis) is a bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes, named as such due to the high-pitch "whoop" sound patients often make as they gasp for breath between coughs. According to the NHS, it is initially symptomized by a runny nose or sore throat – similar to a standard cold – but later worsens into more serious coughing bouts that last a few minutes and can cause difficulty breathing.
One tell-tale symptom is coughing spells at night that bring up a thick, stringy mucus and may be followed by vomiting.
Whooping cough cases are spreading across the UK (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Worryingly, official figures from the UK National Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show a significant uptick in suspected cases of whooping cough across England and Wales between July and November, up from 217 in the previous period last year. South East England appears to be particularly affected, with 11 suspected cases reported in the last week.
The rise in cases is to some extent expected. Coronavirus lockdowns and social distancing measuresare thought to have previously dampened the spread of infection but also contributed toward a phenomenon known as an "immunity deficit" whereby children have not acquired protective immunity against infections by virtue of being sheltered from them.
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But it is still vital to get vaccinated against whooping cough as babies under 6 months old are particularly at risk of complications such as dehydration, persistent breathing problems, pneumonia and seizures. Among older children and adults, whooping cough can cause problems including sore ribs, hernias, ear infections and incontinence while coughing.
The five key symptoms of whooping cough to look out for
Coughing bouts lasting for a few minutes and are worse at night
Coughs that make a "whoop" sound – a gasp for breath between coughs
Difficulty breathing after coughs, which could lead to turning blue or grey in young infants
Bringing up a thick mucus, which can lead to vomiting
Turning very red in the face
The NHS says people should ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if:
Your baby is under 6 months old and has symptoms of whooping cough
You and your child have a very bad cough that is getting worse
You've been in contact with someone with whooping cough and you're pregnant
You or your child has been in contact with someone with whooping cough and have a weakened immune system
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Further, anyone with the following symptoms should go to A&E or call 999:
Your or your child's lips, tongue, face or skin suddenly turn blue or grey (for people with darker skin tones, this may be more obvious on the palms of hands or the soles of feet)
You or your child are finding it hard to breathe properly, or are breathing shallowly
You or your child have chest pain that's worse when breathing or coughing, as this could be a sign of pneumonia
Your child is having seizures (fits)