4. A Progressive Cough
We cough to clear the airways of debris, mucus, and particulate matter. However, coughing takes on a new dimension under respiratory distress.
As the Bordetella pertussis bacteria spreads, post-nasal drip intensifies. We begin to experience an irritating tickle in the back of the throat. This tickle progresses into a dry cough, inflaming the airways. As inflammation spreads, the dry cough will advance into hacking. During the hacking, you may expel mucus in sputum.
This period is known as the paroxysmal stage of whooping cough infection. The period lasts from one to 10-weeks. As the infection and cough progress, infected individuals experience intense, uncontrollable, bouts of coughing. Coughing attacks are common at night. Most individuals will experience an average of 15-attacks over 24-hours.
The “whoop,” occurs as the individual gasps for air after a coughing attack. At this stage, adults will likely visit their doctor. Untreated, the condition will progress to convalescence. This stage may last for months.