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Pertussis, Pediatric

Camille Sabella, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Pertussis (whooping cough), classically caused by Bordetella pertussis, is a protracted illness characterized by spasms of cough. 

EPIDEMIOLOGY

  • Pertussis is one of the most highly comm...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • History of a cough illness in other family members, including older siblings, parents, and grandparents, is important to elicit.

  • Three clinical stages

    • Catarrhal stage (1 to 2 weeks) wit...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Patients with more severe disease manifestations (apnea, cyanosis, feeding difficulties) or other complications require hospitalization for supportive care:

    • Infants <6 mont...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

The paroxysmal stage can last up to 4 weeks and the convalescent stage up to several months. 

PROGNOSIS

Directly related to patient age 
  • Highest mortality is observe...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • American Academy of Pediatrics. Pertussis (whooping cough). In: Kimberlin DW, Brady MT, Jackson MA, et al, eds. Red Book: 2015 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases. 30th e...

CODES

ICD9

  • 033.9 Whooping cough, unspecified organism

  • 033.0 Whooping cough due to bordetella pertussis B. pertussis

  • 484.3 Pneumonia in whooping cough

  • 033.1 Whooping cough due to bordetella parapertussis B...

FAQ

  • Q: Why is the transmission of pertussis difficult to control in the young infant?

  • A: Unfortunately, many physicians do not consider pertussis in adolescents or adults because the symptoms can be no...

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