Whooping cough is typically a dry cough. Patients typically experience a bout of cough, and at the end of the bout, they breathe making the classic whooping sound. Occasionally, patience may vomit at the end of the bout. Using a humidifier may help in loosening the mucus and reducing bouts of cough. Whooping cough is typically a dry cough. Patients typically experience a bout of cough, and at the end of the bout, they breathe making the classic whooping sound. Occasionally, patience may vomit at the end of the bout. Using a humidifier may help in loosening the mucus and reducing bouts of cough.