 [ Symptoms ] can whopping cough cause problems with breathing or choking in adults  i have whopping cough and i am 50 years old i also have wegner is granutomilousis for the past week i have had problems sleeping because i wake up gagging and i can not catch my breath for sometimes over a minute [ Disease ] whooping cough pertussis can be a very serious even life threatening infection if you are having breathing difficulties it is important for you to contact your medical provider for patient specific advice