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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.

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Have you been vaccinated so you won't pass pertussis to your children?