Which symptom is often associated with severe cases of whooping cough?

• A. Shortness of breath
• B. Severe coughing
• C. Chest pain
• D. Fever

Answer: (B)

Severe coughing is a hallmark symptom of whooping cough, also known as pertussis. This respiratory infection is characterized by intense and uncontrollable coughing fits that can make it difficult to breathe. The unique "whooping" sound that follows these coughs occurs when a person breathes in sharply after coughing, which is a distinctive feature of the illness.

In severe cases, the coughing fits can be so intense that they may lead to vomiting, exhaustion, and even complications such as fractured ribs or fainting due to a lack of oxygen. The severity of these coughing spells is what makes this symptom particularly notable in diagnosing and understanding the progression of whooping cough.