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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffDiagnosing whooping cough in its early stages can be difficult. That's because the signs and symptoms resemble those of other common respiratory illnesses, such as a cold, the flu or bronchitis.
Sometimes, doctors diagnose whooping cough simply by asking about symptoms and listening to the cough. Medical tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. Such tests may include:
- A nose or throat culture and test. Your doctor takes a nose or throat swab or suction sample. The sample is then sent to a lab and tested for whooping cough bacteria.
- Blood tests. A blood sample may be drawn and sent to a lab to check for a high white blood cell count. White blood cells help the body fight infections, such as whooping cough. A high white cell count typically indicates the presence of infection or inflammation. This is a general test and not specific for whooping cough, however.
- A chest X-ray. Your doctor may order an X-ray to check for the presence of fluid in your lungs, which can occur when pneumonia complicates whooping cough and other respiratory infections.
If whooping cough is the diagnosis, your doctor will advise you to avoid contact with others during recovery because the condition is highly contagious. Don't return to work until your doctor approves. For the same reason, don't take your child with whooping cough to school or child care until your child's doctor gives the OK. In general, children should stay out of school while they are taking antibiotics for pertussis.
Your doctor will also notify health authorities who keep track of whooping cough outbreaks.
