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Whooping cough:known as pertussis, is a highly infectious disease caused…
Whooping cough:known as pertussis, is a highly infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is spread by aerosol droplets released during coughing, and disproportionately affects infants and young children.
Diagnosis
The paroxysmal phase -occurs about 1 week after the catarrhal phase and lasts between one and six weeks. Between coughing fits (paroxysms), the person is usually relatively well, and has undisturbed sleep
The convalescent phase- lasts up to 3months, gradual improvement in cough frequency and severity
The catarrhal phase -lasts between one and two weeks. Pertussis is rarely diagnosed during this stage unless there has been contact with a person who is known to be infected. Symptoms are often difficult to distinguish from those of other upper respiratory tract infections,
Whooping cough should be suspected if a person has an acute cough that has lasted for 14 days or more without another apparent cause
Signs and symptoms
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similar to URTI- nasal discharge, conjuctivitis, malaise, sore throat, low grade fever, dry, unproductive cough
Clinical suspicion should be raised if the person is not fully immunized, or has been in contact with a person who is confirmed or suspected of having whooping cough.
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Treatment
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Advice
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Advise rest, adequate fluid intake, and the use of paracetamol or ibuprofen for symptomatic relief.
stay off work/nursery until 48 hours after Abx treatment has been completed or 21 days after onset of symptoms if not treated with Abx
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Differentials
infectious causes of cough- adenoviruses, Respiratory syncytial virus
non infectious causes of cough - asthma, COPD, post infection cough, GORD, underlying lung malignancy