Whooping Cough Flashcards
1
Q
What is another name for whooping cough and how is it transmitted?
A
Pertussis, infected respiratory droplets.
2
Q
How long does whooping cough last and what causes it?
A
> 3 months, Bordetella pertussis (notifiable)
3
Q
What is this a presentation of?
Bouts of coughing ending with vomiting or cyanosis, deep inspiration at the end of coughing bout, bouts of apnoea.
A
Whooping cough
4
Q
How is whooping cough diagnosed?
A
- Suspect in a cough lasting over 14 days
- Clinically on hearing the protracted cough and whoop
- Marked lymphocytosis
- Nasal swab and PCR
5
Q
What is the management for whooping cough?
A
- Supportive
- Oxygen if hypoxia develops
- Clarithromycin to prevent spread and to close contacts as prophylaxis
- Admit if <6 months old - increased risk of apnoea.
6
Q
What are the complications of whooping cough?
A
- Subconjunctival haemorrhage (from persistent coughing)
- Pneumonia, bronchiectasis
- Anoxic seizures
