What are the early symptoms of pertussis (whooping cough)?

From the Guidelines

Early pertussis presents with mild cold-like symptoms, including a runny nose, nasal congestion, mild cough, and low-grade fever, which can be easily mistaken for a common respiratory infection. These symptoms occur during the first 1-2 weeks, known as the catarrhal stage, and are indistinguishable from those of minor respiratory tract infections 1. The catarrhal stage is followed by the development of a paroxysmal cough, characterized by episodes of rapid, consecutive coughs, which may be accompanied by a distinctive high-pitched "whoop" sound when inhaling, although this sound is often absent in adults and vaccinated individuals 1. Some key features of early pertussis include:

• An incubation period of 7-10 days, with a range of 5-21 days 1
• A catarrhal stage lasting approximately 1-2 weeks, with symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and mild cough 1
• The development of a paroxysmal cough, which can be accompanied by posttussive vomiting and a "whoop" sound 1
• The cough tends to be spasmodic, occurring more frequently at night and after exposure to cold air, and can last for 4-6 weeks or longer 1. It is essential to consider pertussis in the differential diagnosis of cough, especially in individuals with a history of exposure or in areas with high incidence rates, as early detection and treatment can help reduce the risk of complications and transmission 1.

From the Research

Presentation of Early Pertussis

• Early pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious disease that can present with mild symptoms in its early stages 2, 3.
• The disease often starts with a catarrhal phase, characterized by cough, runny nose, and mild fever, which can last for several days to two weeks 4.
• During this phase, the patient may not exhibit the characteristic whoop sound, and the disease may be mistaken for a common cold or other respiratory infection 5, 6.
• As the disease progresses, the cough can become more severe and persistent, leading to the paroxysmal phase, which is characterized by intense coughing fits, often accompanied by a whooping sound 2, 3.

Key Features of Early Pertussis

• The key features of early pertussis include:
  • Cough, which can be mild or severe
  • Runny nose
  • Mild fever
  • Absence of the characteristic whoop sound in the early stages
  • Progression to more severe coughing fits and potential development of the whoop sound as the disease advances 5, 6, 4
• It is essential to note that early pertussis can be difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms can be similar to those of other respiratory infections, and the disease may not be immediately recognizable 2, 3.