Pertusis Flashcards
What is the etiology of pertussis (Whooping Cough)?
Bordetella pertusis
- incubation 6-20d
- highest incidence in kids 1-14yo
When is pertussis most contagious?
Catarrhal period 1-2wks
What are the symptoms of Catarrhal period ?
- Coryza: stuffy, runny, sneezy, post nasal drippy
- mild cough occasional
- low grade fever
How long is the paroxysmal stage of pertussis?
Paroxysmal stage: 2-4wks
What are the symptoms of the pertussis paroxysmal stage?
- bouts of coughing with inspiratory whoop
- coughing spells until puking
- cyanosis
How long is the convalescent stage of pertussis?
1-2wks
What are the symptoms of convalescent stage of pertussis?
Less persistent paroxysmal cough
What investigations would you order in a patient you were suspicious for pertussis?
Culture nasopharyngeal swabs
PCR nasopharyngeal swabs
What are some complications of pertussis? (7)
- Otitis media
- sinusitis
- pneumonia
- atelectasis
- seizure
- encephalopathy
- intracranial hemorrhage (ICH)
How would you treat a patient with pertussis?
- supportive care
- cyanosis = hospitalization
- apnea = hospitalization
- clarithromycin 15mg/kg/day for BID x7d (decrease infectivity but no change in course)
What is the most important thing to know about pertussis?
Prevention = vaccination
ABx treatment contacts with Pertussis
What is the diagnostic criteria for pertussis?
Cough w/o source ≥2wks and no clear cause with 1 of:
- paroxysmal coughing
- inspiratory whoop
- post-cough vomitting
- apnea in
