OTC - whooping cough

Question 1

Symptoms?

Answer 1

• runny nose
• watery eyes
• sore throat
• slight fever
• intense coughing bouts (expels thick mucus and vomiting can follow)
• between coughing bouts there is a ‘whoop’ when gasping for air
• common at night

Question 2

Referral criteria?

Answer 2

• refer all cases of whooping cough (antibiotic given if present for less than 3 weeks)
• A+E if significant breathing difficulties (cyanosis, rapid or shallow breathing, breathing stops, long periods of breathlessness, choking)

Question 3

OTC product?

Answer 3

Paracetamol/ibuprofen

Question 4

Advice?

Answer 4

• very contagious: stay away from school 5 days after starting antibiotics (or 3 weeks after coughing started, whichever sooner)
• cover childs mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing/sneezing