Pertusis

Question 1

treatment for whooping cough ?

Answer 1

onset of cough within past 21 days = oral macrolide e.g. azithromycin

Question 2

diagnostic criteria of whooping cough ?

Answer 2

acute cough that lasts 14 days or more with one or more of the following;

• paroxysmal cough
• post-tussive vomit
• inspiratory whoop
• apnoeic attacks in young infants

Question 3

describe vaccination schedule for whopping cough.

Answer 3

all infants vaccinated at 2,3,4 months and 3-5 years

vaccine doesn’t provide lifelong protection which is why adolescents and adults may still get it despite being vaccinated

pregnant women at 20-32 weeks gestation may be vaccinated

Question 4

complications of pertussis ?

Answer 4

persistent coughing may cause conjunctival haemorrhages or even anoxia leading to syncope and seizures

bronchiectasis
pneumonia

Question 5

what derangement in blood results does pertussis cause ?

Answer 5

marked lymphocytosis

Question 6

when would you admit a patient with whooping cough ?

Answer 6

< 6 months