Whooping Cough Flashcards
What is whooping cough also known as?
Pertussis
What is whooping cough?
An URTI characterised by a severe cough
What is the typical aetiological agent for whooping cough?
Bordetella pertussis
What are the risk factors for whooping cough?
- Age <6 months
- Baby born to mother who became infected at 34 or more weeks gestation
- No or incomplete immunisation
What are the clinical features of whooping cough?
Initially, symptoms are similar to those of the common cold, with rhinorrhoea, fever, and mild cough. This is followed by weeks fo severe coughing fits
What might happen following a fit of coughing in whooping cough?
A high pitched whoop sound or gasp may occur as the person breathes in
How long does the coughing last in whooping cough?
10 or more weeks
How severe is the cough in whooping cough?
Person may cough so hard they break ribs, vomit, or become very tired
What is the definitive diagnostic test in whooping cough?
Culture of nasopharyngeal aspirate or swab from posterior nasopharynx
What other investigations may be done in whooping cough?
- PCR of nasopharyngeal aspirate
- FBC
What is the advantage of PCR of nasopharyngeal aspirate in whooping cough?
Increased sensitivity compared to culture
What are the differential diagnoses of whooping cough?
- URTI
- Community acquired pneumonia
- RSV infection
How is whooping cough managed in children <1 month?
Azithromycin and clarithromycin
