Pertussis (whooping cough) Flashcards
What is pertussis?
Upper respiratory tract infection
What is the main cause of pertussis?
Bordetella pertussis
What type of bacteria causes is bordetella pertussis?
A gram negative bacteria
Why is pertussis also called whooping cough?
Children make a loud whooping sound as they forcefully suck in air after the coughing finishes.
What usually precedes the onset of pertussis?
Coryzal symptoms for 2-3 days
What are the presenting features of pertussis?
Coughing bouts
Inspiratory whoop
Spells of apnoea
Symptoms may last 10-14 weeks*
When are the coughing bouts worse?
At night and after feeding
What are the coughing bouts associated with?
Vomiting
Central cyanosis
What is the inspiratory whoop due to?
Forced inspiration against a closed glottis
What could persistent coughing cause?
Subconjunctival haemorrhages or even anoxia leading to syncope & seizures
How can pertussis be diagnosed?
Clinically- main
Per nasal swab culture for Bordetella pertussis
PCR and serology
What is the diagnostic criteria for pertussis?
Whooping cough and one or more of the following features:
• Paroxysmal cough.
• Inspiratory whoop.
• Post-tussive vomiting.
• Undiagnosed apnoeic attacks in young infants.
When should a whooping cough be suspected?
If a person has an acute cough that has lasted for 14 days or more without another apparent cause
What is the main complication of pertussis?
Bronchiectasis
Who should be admitted with pertussis?
Children under 6 months
Who needs to be notified if there is a case of pertussis?
Public health- it is a notifiable disease
When would you give medication for pertussis?
If the onset of the cough is within the previous 21 days to eradicate the organism and reduce the spread
What medical management can be used for pertussis?
An oral macrolide
What are examples of an oral macrolide that can be used in the management of pertussis?
Clarithromycin
Azithromycin
Erythromycin
What is an alternative to an oral macrolide?
Co-trimoxazole
What should household contacts of someone with pertussis be offered?
Antibiotic prophylaxis
Should a child with pertussis be excluded from school?
Yes
48 hours after commencing antibiotics
