Whooping Cough: What You Need to Know

Paula S. Barry, MD, an internal medicine physician at Penn Family and Internal Medicine Longwood, explains exactly what whooping cough is and how it can be prevented.

Paula S. Barry, MD

At one point in history – during the early 1900’s – whooping cough was one of the most common and serious illnesses affecting children. As was the case with many childhood plagues, children began to receive regular immunizations and cases of the disease dropped dramatically.

Now, partially because of waning immunity, cases of whooping cough are on the rise – and affecting people of all ages.

What is Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is caused by an organism known as B. pertussis. A highly contagious bacterial disease, whooping cough is characterized by uncontrollable, violent coughing, which can sometimes end in a "whooping" sound when the person breathes in.

The first symptoms are similar to those of a common cold: runny nose, sneezing, mild cough and low-grade fever. After a week or so, the dry, irritating cough can evolve into coughing spells.

In the past, this was an illness mostly seen in children who had not been adequately protected by immunizations. Over the past few years, though, there have been more and more cases of adults being diagnosed. Adults and teens with whooping cough tend to have milder or atypical symptoms, such as a prolonged cough, rather than coughing spells, or coughing without the whoop.

How Do I Protect My Family From Whooping Cough?

As stated above, anyone can be at risk of catching pertussis. Health care and child care providers, as well as parents and grandparents that may be around an infant under one year of age, are at the highest risk. It is also important for pregnant women to speak with their obstetrician about being immunized.

The best way to prevent whooping cough is to get vaccinated. The recommended vaccine for infants and children is called DTaP. This is a combination vaccine that protects against three diseases: diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. Tetanus can cause “lock jaw” and muscle spasms, while diphtheria can cause a thick coating on the back of your throat.

Tdap, a vaccine for adolescents and adults, has been approved as a booster against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. It is recommended that adults get Tdap rather than their next regular tetanus booster.

If you have additional questions, talk with your health care provider. A little bit of prevention can go a long way.

Need help finding a primary care doctor in your area?

Penn Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine Now in Two Convenient Locations

Penn Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine now sees patients in two convenient locations  – Penn Medicine Radnor, a facility of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and Penn Medicine Valley Forge.

Penn Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine focuses on the needs of young men and women between the ages of 12 and 30. The practice offers primary care with a full understanding of the physical and psychological changes associated with the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Penn Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine also provides specialty care for patients including:

• Eating disorders
• Managing and coordinating care for chronic illness, stress, depression and anxiety 
• Drug and alcohol use
• Smoking cessation
• Managing conflicts with parents, siblings, teachers and peers
• Reproductive care

In addition to a second location, Penn Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine welcomes Deepti Thapar, MD. Dr. Thapar earned her medical degree at Bangalore University, India, and trained in family medicine at Cedar Rapids Medical Education Foundation in  Iowa.  She is board certified in family medicine and has a special interest in preventive care, women’s health and adolescent medicine.

Dr. Thapar is most interested in developing long-term, collaborative relationships with her patients and is passionate about making a meaningful impact on the young adult population. She sees patients at both the Radnor and Valley Forge locations.


Learn more about Dr. Thapar.

What to Expect at Your Annual Physical

Lori M. Noble, MD, a primary care physician at Spruce Internal Medicine, located at the new Penn Medicine Washington Square building, discusses what to expect at your annual physical.

Lori M. Noble, MD

Going to the doctor for your annual physical can be nerve-racking. You have questions and concerns, your doctor has a separate agenda full of blood tests, studies and vaccines, and all of this typically needs to be addressed in 30 minutes.

To help you avoid feeling overwhelmed, take a look below at tests your doctor may address at your next physical based on the latest United States Preventative Services Task Force recommendations.

For tips of staying healthy, check out Guidelines for Maintaining Good Health.

Cholesterol blood test:

WHO: Women over the age of 45 and men over the age of 35, every 5 years.
WHY: Cholesterol levels help predict risk of future heart attack and stroke. If, along with other risk factors, cholesterol levels point to an elevated risk, your doctor may suggest changing your diet, exercising more, and/or medication.
NOTE: Depending on conditions, such as diabetes or strong family history of cholesterol or heart disease, your doctor may start checking earlier and more frequently.

Also check out Guidelines for Maintaining Good Health

Colonoscopy:

WHO: All women and men age 50-75, every 10 years.
WHY: To detect and remove colon polyps, which could turn into colon cancer if left untreated.
NOTES: (1) If you have colon polyps, you will likely need to return for a repeat colonoscopy in 3-5 years. 2) The colonoscopy is the best test for colon cancer screening, but there are alternatives. Ask your doctor about this option if you are unable to complete a colonoscopy. 3) If you have a strong family history of colon cancer (i.e. a parent or sibling), your doctor may refer you for a colonoscopy earlier.

Abdominal Ultrasound

WHO: One time in men age 65-75 who smoke or who have previously smoked cigarettes.
WHY: To detect an aneurysm of the aorta (the largest blood vessel in the body), for which male smokers are at increased risk.
NOTE: If an aneurysm is detected, you will likely need periodic repeat ultrasounds. If the aneurism is large, surgery may be recommended.

Pap smear:

WHO: All women from the age of 21-65, every 3-5 years
WHY: To detect HPV (human papilloma virus), the virus that can cause changes to the cervix, which ultimately can turn into cervical cancer if not treated.
NOTE: You may need to be checked more often if the result comes back abnormal.

Mammogram:

WHO: All women from the age of 50-74, every 1-2 years; women aged 40-49 should have a discussion with their doctors to determine if they should be screened.
WHY: To detect breast cancer in its early stages.
NOTE: If a strong family history of breast cancer (i.e. your mother or sister) exists, you may be referred for mammography earlier.

Bone density testing (aka - DEXA scan)

WHO: All women over 65, every 2 years.
WHY: To detect low bone density, called osteoporosis, which increases the risk of fractures.
NOTES: 1) Women with risk factors for osteoporosis (such as a smoking history, a family history, low body weight, or history of fracture) are recommended to start screening at age 60. 2) There is no agreed upon age at which to stop screening at this time.

So now when it’s time to schedule your yearly physical, be prepared and armed with the knowledge about what to expect.

To help prepare for your next doctor’s visit, Penn Primary Care has also developed Guidelines for Maintaining Good Health, which can be found in the patient resources tab of PennMedicine.org/PrimaryCare.

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