Complications of whooping cough

Babies and young children under six months are usually most severely affected by whooping cough.

They're at anincreased risk of:

  • dehydration
  • breathing difficulties
  • weight loss
  • pneumonia an infection of the lungs
  • fits (seizures)
  • kidney problems
  • brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen reachingthe brain
  • death although this is very rare

Older children and adults tend to be less severely affected, although they may experience problems caused by repeated coughing, such as nosebleeds , bruised ribs or a hernia .

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018