Thanks again for the replies - I really appreciate the advice and support.

Well, the results came back last night and both boys have tested negative to whooping cough. On the one hand, it's obviously terrific news ... on the other hand DS1 still has all the signs of it and his dr said (a) it can be hard to diagnose, often requiring more than one test and (b) a positive result often doesn't happen till the worst of it is over.

Both kids are being treated for wc regardless, and Dr said even if it isn't wc, the meds will help them recover.

Poor DS1 though, every time he has a coughing fit he panics as he can't breathe. He runs to me or DH every time, I guess he thinks we'll "fix" him. Fortunately he's fine immediately afterwards, no tears etc. But you can clearly see the panic on his face.

Hopefully by this time tomorrow the drugs will have kicked in and they'll be better. That's presuming it's definitey not whooping cough. As MadB said ... coughs CAN be really terrible things.