What is the hallmark symptom of pertussis?

The hallmark symptom of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is characterized by severe, bursts of rapid coughing followed by a distinctive whooping sound when the person inhales. This sound is particularly notable in young children and is a key diagnostic feature of the disease. During these coughing episodes, the individual may struggle to catch their breath, leading to the characteristic "whoop."

Understanding this symptom is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment, as pertussis can lead to significant complications, especially in infants and young children who may experience difficulty breathing or secondary infections. Other symptoms of pertussis may include a runny nose, low-grade fever, and mild cough, but the whooping sound is what differentiates it from other respiratory illnesses.

Drooling, rash, and chest pain are not associated with pertussis, making them less relevant when identifying the illness. These symptoms pertain more to other pediatric conditions or illnesses, highlighting the importance of recognizing whooping cough as the defining characteristic of this respiratory infection.