-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
respiratory system
pertussis
diagnoses
definition and etiology
definition:
(Whooping cough)
An acute, highly communicable bacterial disease, characterized by paroxysmal or spasmodic cough that usually ends in a prolonged, high-pitched, crowing inspiration (the whoop).
etiology: Bordatella pertussis, a small gram-negative coccobacillus. Transmission is by aspiration of bacteria sprayed into air by patient.
signs and symptoms
signs and symptoms:
Incubation period: 7-14 days;
Upper respiratory inflammation with increased mucus secretion which is initially serous and later mucoid.
Initial stage: nocturnal cough and upper respiratory infection symptoms.
Fever is rare.
Paroxysmal stage: 5-15 rapidly consecutive coughs followed by a whoop.
lab findings:
marked increase in WBC
(+) cultures from nasopharyngeal swab or cough plate
fluorescent antibody testing or culture of catarrhal smear is definitive.
course and prognosis
6 week duration which is divided into:
Catarrhal stage; 10-14 days
Paroxysmal stage; until 4th week
Convalescent stage; ends about 6th week
It usually resolves spontaneously. Complications include atelectasis or superimposed bronchopneumonia.
differential diagnosis
bronchitis
influenza
tuberculosis
viral infections
footnotes