Cause of whooping cough?
Bordatella pertussis (a gram negative bacteria)
Presentation of whooping cough
Typically starts with mild coryzal symptoms - low fever
More severe coughing fits start after a week or more -
- Sudden intense coughing fits
- Loud inspiratory whoop when the coughing ends
- May cough so hard they faint, vomit or even develop a pneumothorax
- Infants with pertussis may present with apnoeas
Diagnosis and investigations
FBC (WBC raised)
Diagnosis is largely clinical but…
Nasal swab with PCR testing can confirm the diagnosis
Management
Largely supportive
May need admission if <6m, apnoeas, cyanosis etc…
Notify public health England
Macrolide antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin can be beneficial in vulnerable patients (or in early stages of the disease)
Close contacts given prophylactic antibiotics if in vulnerable group e.g. pregnant, unvax infants
When does it resolve and complications?
Typically within 8w but can take several months
Complications include bronchiectasis
