Preparing for an appointment

If you think you or your child has whooping cough, make an appointment with your family doctor or pediatrician. Severe symptoms may warrant a visit to an urgent care center or a hospital's emergency department.

What you can do

You may want to write a list that includes:

• Detailed descriptions of the signs and symptoms
• Information about past medical problems
• Dates of immunizations
• Information about the medical problems of parents or siblings
• Questions you want to ask the doctor

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and will use a stethoscope to listen closely to your lungs. Questions your doctor may ask include:

• When did the cough start?
• How long does a coughing spell generally last?
• Does anything trigger the cough?
• Does the cough ever cause gagging or vomiting?
• Has the cough ever resulted in a red or blue face?
• Have you been exposed to anyone with whooping cough?