PERTUSSIS Flashcards
Pertussis
Highly contagious bacterial respiratory tract infection common in children and adults
Incubation period of pertussis or whooping cough
7-21 days
Complications of pertussis
subconjunctival haemorrhage
otitis media
apnoea
pneumonia
bronchiectasis
activation of latent tuberculosis,
dehydration
fever
convulsions
rectal prolapse
malnutrition.
Cause of pertussis
Bordetella pertussis
Phases of pertussis
Catarrhal phase, 1-2 weeks
Paroxysmal phase, 6-10 weeks
Recovery or convalescent phase, 2-3 weeks
Symptoms of pertussis in the catarrhal phase
Low grade fever
Nasal discharge
Mild cough
Symptoms of pertussis in the paroxysmal phase
Episodes of violent repetitive cough ending with inspiratory whoop or vomiting (whoop may be absent in babies and adults)
Symptoms of pertussis during the recovery phase
Gradual reduction in bouts of coughing
Signs of pertussis
Apnoea, common in babies
Cyanosis
Treatment objectives
To reduce transmission
To prevent complications
Non-pharmacological interventions in pertussis
Feed frequently between coughing spasms
Encourage adequate oral fluid intake
First line treatment for pertussis for patients and close contacts within 14 days of onset of symptoms
Erythromycin
or
Azithromycin
or
Clarithromycin
Second line treatment for pertussis for patients and close contacts within 14 days of onset of symptoms
Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole
Adults
160/800 mg 12 hourly for 7 days
Children
4/20 mg/kg 12 hourly for 7 days
Erythromycin dose in pertussis
Erythromycin, oral,
Adults
500 mg 6 hourly for 7 days
Children
8-12 years; 250-500 mg 6 hourly for 7 days
2-8 years; 250 mg of suspension 6 hourly for 7 days
6 months-2 years; 125 mg of suspension 6 hourly for 7 days
Trimethoprim/Sulphamethoxazole is preferred for managing pertussis in which age group
Less than 6 months
