Pertussis/Whooping Cough - Key Points

Question 1

What is the mechanism of transmission of pertussis?

Answer 1

Aerosol transmission

Question 2

What is the length of the course of pertussis?

Answer 2

About 6 months

Question 3

What are the stages of pertussis? How long is each stage?

Answer 3

Catarrhal: 1-2 weeks

Paroxysmal: 2-4 weeks

Convalescent: 3 weeks - 6 months

Question 4

What signs and symptoms accompany the catarrhal stage of pertussis?

Answer 4

Non-specific upper respiratory s/s

Low grade fever </= 101F

Contagious

Mild to worse

Question 5

What are the sign and symptoms of the paroxysmal stage of pertussis?

Answer 5

Staccato (or paroxysmal) cough with end inspiratory whoop

Secondary:
- vomiting
- epistaxis
- cyanosis

Question 6

What are signs and symptoms of the convalescent stage of pertussis?

Answer 6

Waning s/s from prior stages

Question 7

What is the Gold Standard for diagnosing pertussis?

Answer 7

Culture

Alternatives:
- Increasing titer
- IgG Anti-PT

Question 8

What is the treatment for pertussis?

Answer 8

Macrolides, specifically erythromycin**
- best given in first 1-2 weeks

**UNLESS, patient is < 1 month old, then use:
- trimethoprim - sulfa to avoid pyloric stenosis

Question 9

When is referral required for pertussis?

Answer 9

Patients < 6 months old