What might cause coughing and vomiting in adults?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Coughing followed by vomiting in adults is often a symptom of pertussis (whooping cough), a highly contagious bacterial infection marked by violent, uncontrollable coughing fits. These intense spasms can be so forceful they trigger vomiting, exhaustion, or a distinctive "whooping" sound when inhaling. While pertussis is a common culprit, cough-induced vomiting can also point to other conditions such as post-nasal drip, GERD, asthma, or respiratory infections—making an accurate assessment important.

Because symptoms overlap across many conditions, identifying the true cause on your own can be difficult. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what may be driving your cough and vomiting, provide possible conditions to discuss with a doctor, and guide your next steps quickly and confidentially. In just a few minutes, you can gain clarity and take informed action toward feeling better.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn what’s causing coughing and vomiting See if coughing and vomiting need care Discover likely causes of your symptoms Find OTC options for cough and nausea Find a doctor for cough and vomiting Explore home remedies for cough and vomiting Check if coughing and vomiting need urgent care

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Explanation

Coughing and vomiting in adults may be associated with pertussis, a condition more commonly known as whooping cough. This illness can cause severe coughing fits that are sometimes so intense they lead to vomiting.

Key Points:

Pertussis Symptoms: According to the references, pertussis in adults often presents with prolonged coughing spells. These spells can be very severe and may result in vomiting due to the intensity of the cough.
Cough Characteristics: The cough associated with pertussis is typically persistent and can last for weeks. It is often described as a 'whooping' sound, although this may not always be present in adults.

If you're experiencing severe coughing fits with vomiting, try our free AI symptom checker to help identify potential causes and determine if you should seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.

(References)

Cornia PB, Hersh AL, Lipsky BA, Newman TB, & Gonzales R. (2010). Does this coughing adolescent or adult patient have .... JAMA, 20736473.
Moore A, Ashdown HF, Shinkins B, Roberts NW, Grant CC, Lasserson DS, & Harnden A. (2017). Clinical Characteristics of Pertussis-Associated Cough in .... Chest, 28511929.
Postels-Multani S, Schmitt HJ, Wirsing von König CH, Bock HL, & Bogaerts H. (1995). Symptoms and complications of pertussis in adults. Infection, 7499001.

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