Pertussis/Whooping Cough (2) Flashcards
What is this?
Why is it called Whooping Cough?
N.B. Notifiable disease
➊ URTI caused by Bordetella pertussis
➋ Coughing fit is so severe that the child is unable to take in any air between coughs, therefore making a huge air sucking noise afterwards
How does it present?
What can it lead to if severe?
What is a key complication of this cough?
➊ • Typically starts with mild coryzal symptoms, fever and mild dry cough
• Whooping cough - More severe coughing fits that start after a week or so
➋ Syncope, vomiting, or even a pneumothorax
➌ Bronchiectasis
How is it diagnosed?
How is it managed?
➊ • Nasopharyngeal swab with PCR testing or culture
• If cough present for 2+ wks, pt can be tested for anti-pertussis toxin IgG
➋ • Vaccination
• Infection control
• Macrolide
• Vulnerable close contacts are given prophylactic Abx
