
Myriam’s story begins during her pregnancy when she was unexpectedly hit by severe coughing fits. Initially, the diagnosis was unclear, but it soon became evident that she had contracted whooping cough. Years later, the illness would return with a vengeance, causing even more intense symptoms. This is the journey of a mother dealing with an exhausting illness while also caring for her family.
Contents
Contents
- Whooping Cough While Pregnant
- Getting Whooping Cough Again
- How to Handle Whooping Cough: Tips and Advice
Whooping Cough While Pregnant
In 2007, I was in the middle of my second trimester when I went out for a drink with a close friend. Within a week, I began noticing unpleasant symptoms. At first, I thought it was just a typical cold or flu, but then I developed severe bouts of coughing that I couldn’t shake. The coughing fits were so intense that they left me gasping for air.
Soon after, my friend informed me that she had been diagnosed with whooping cough, and I realized that I was likely dealing with the same illness. I made an appointment with my doctor, who confirmed my suspicion after running some tests. He prescribed antibiotics right away and immediately reached out to my gynecologist to ensure the safety of my pregnancy.
The coughing was incredibly painful, and I often felt as though my stomach was being torn apart with each coughing fit. The strain was so significant that I began experiencing urinary incontinence, something I hadn’t dealt with before. My perineum could no longer handle the pressure from the intense coughs. It became clear that I needed to rest as much as possible, so the doctor advised me to stay home and take things easy. I was also instructed to avoid lying down while sleeping, as this posture worsened the cough.
Despite the severity of the situation, I didn’t feel a great deal of fear for my baby’s health, as I was receiving excellent medical care from my healthcare team. Fortunately, the whooping cough passed after some time, and my pregnancy continued without any further complications.
Up until that point, I had never been informed about the risk of whooping cough during pregnancy. There had been no mention of the illness from my midwife or any other healthcare professionals. It was only after this experience that I truly understood how dangerous whooping cough could be for pregnant women and their babies.
Three years later, when I became pregnant with my second child, my doctor was much more cautious. Without hesitation, he vaccinated both me and my husband against whooping cough. I learned that the people around a pregnant woman also need to be vaccinated, as they can inadvertently carry and spread the illness, potentially exposing the mother and the newborn to the virus. Babies, in particular, are at high risk since their immune systems are not fully developed. This time around, I felt more confident knowing that we were taking proactive steps to protect our family.
The Relentless Coughing Fits: More Intense the Second Time
Catching Whooping Cough Again
Fast forward to 2024: My daughter, who was 6 years old at the time, started developing a persistent cough. This wasn’t entirely unusual for her, as she had a history of asthmatic bronchitis and frequent tracheitis episodes. Despite the ongoing whooping cough epidemic, our pediatrician was not overly concerned. He initially prescribed a standard course of antibiotics, thinking it was a recurring respiratory issue.
However, after three weeks of persistent coughing and little to no improvement, I knew something more serious was at play. We returned to the pediatrician, who now suspected whooping cough. To confirm the diagnosis, he ordered a PCR test, the same kind used for diagnosing COVID-19. Unfortunately, the test came back falsely negative, leaving us without a definitive answer for a while. This delay in proper diagnosis only added to the frustration.
The situation grew more challenging as her coughing fits became more intense and frequent. As a mother, it was heartbreaking to see my child suffer, especially since I had experienced the agony of whooping cough firsthand during my own pregnancy. I understood all too well the toll it could take on the body, and seeing her struggle brought back memories of my own battle with the illness.
Eventually, after further testing and evaluation, the doctors confirmed that it was indeed whooping cough. By this point, I had also begun experiencing symptoms, as I had been exposed to the bacteria through my daughter. The second time around, my whooping cough symptoms were even more severe than during my pregnancy. The coughing fits were relentless and far more painful, leaving me completely exhausted and out of breath.
What struck me most was the sheer intensity of the illness. The coughing episodes were violent, lasting for several minutes at a time. During these fits, I felt like I couldn’t breathe, and at times, I was scared that I would pass out from the lack of air. There were moments when it felt like my body was completely betraying me, and I couldn’t find any relief.
Tips for Managing Whooping Cough
After experiencing whooping cough twice, once while pregnant and once years later, I’ve learned a few valuable lessons about how to manage the illness:
- Seek Medical Attention Early: If you suspect you or a loved one may have whooping cough, it’s important to see a doctor immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the illness from worsening.
- Take Medications as Prescribed: Antibiotics are typically prescribed to treat whooping cough. Be sure to complete the full course of medication, even if symptoms start to improve.
- Rest and Hydrate: Whooping cough can be incredibly draining. Make sure to get plenty of rest and drink fluids to stay hydrated. This can help your body recover more quickly.
- Isolate if Necessary: Whooping cough is highly contagious, especially to those with weakened immune systems, such as infants and the elderly. If you or someone in your household has been diagnosed, take precautions to prevent the spread of the illness.
- Vaccination: Make sure that everyone in your household is up to date on their vaccines, especially pregnant women and those who are around newborns.
- Positioning for Sleep: If coughing worsens when lying down, try propping yourself up with pillows to make breathing easier.
- Support System: Having a strong support system of family and friends can make a huge difference, especially if you’re dealing with severe symptoms while also taking care of children.
Conclusion
My experiences with whooping cough have taught me the importance of awareness, prevention, and early intervention. The illness is not only physically exhausting but can also take a toll on your mental health, particularly if you are responsible for others, like young children. Whooping cough is more than just a cough—it’s a debilitating illness that can impact your body in ways you never expect.
I urge anyone who suspects they may have whooping cough to seek medical attention immediately and take steps to protect their loved ones, especially during pregnancy. With the right care, vaccines, and precautions, you can avoid the worst effects of this exhausting illness.