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Print ArticlePertussis and Whooping CoughIs Your Child Protected?
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The Sounds of Coughing:
An Auditory Guide
Can you tell a whooping cough from other types of coughs?
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Severe coughing that ends in a "whooping" sound when the person breathes in. Caused by pertussis bacteria.
Croup
A loud, brassy, barking cough that sounds like a seal. Caused by viruses.
Dry Coughs
A dry, hacking cough that often gets worse at night. May be caused by colds, bronchiolitis, or asthma.
Productive/Wet Coughs
A productive cough that brings up mucus. May be caused by infections or asthma.
Cough With Wheezing
A wheezing, whistling sound when breathing out during a cough. May be caused by bronchiolitis or asthma.
Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD on May 01, 2009
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