Colds vs. Whooping Cough: A Comparison of Common Respiratory Illnesses

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a respiratory illness that can be dangerous. Children, especially those under 1 year old, are at risk of serious complications from whooping cough. In contrast, colds typically do not cause nighttime coughing and respond well to medication. The symptoms of whooping cough can resemble a cold in the early stages, such as a sore throat, mild fever, and runny nose. However, one distinguishing feature of whooping cough is the presence of nighttime coughing spells, shrill sounds, and persistent cough symptoms that do not improve with medication. Coughing attacks can occur frequently and may be accompanied by vomiting. Other complications can include apnea, seizures, encephalopathy