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Pertussis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Whooping cough

Treatment:

If started early enough, antibiotics such as erythromycin and amoxicillin can make the symptoms go away more quickly. Unfortunately, most patients are diagnosed too late, when antibiotics aren't very effective. 

Infants under 18 months of age require constant supervision because breathing may temporarily stop during coughing spells. Infants with severe cases should be hospitalized.

An oxygen tent with high humidity may be used.

Intravenous fluid may be necessary if coughing spells are severe enough to prevent the patient from drinking enough fluids.

Sedatives may be prescribed for young children.

Cough mixtures, expectorants, and suppressants are usually not helpful and should NOT be used.

Expectations (prognosis):

In older children, the outlook is generally very good. Infants have the highest risk of death, and need careful monitoring.

Complications:

• Pneumonia
• Convulsions
• Seizure disorder (permanent)
• Nose bleeds
• Ear infections
• Brain damage from lack of oxygen
• Bleeding in the brain (cerebral hemorrhage)
• Mental retardation
• Slowed or stopped breathing ( apnea )
• Death

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you or your child develops symptoms of pertussis.

Call 911 or get to an emergency room if the person has any of the following symptoms:

• Bluish skin color, which indicates a lack of oxygen
• Periods of stopped breathing ( apnea )
• Seizures or convulsions
• High fever
• Persistent vomiting
• Dehydration

References:

Braman SS. Postinfectious cough: ACCP evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Chest . 2006;129(1 Suppl):138S-146S.

US Food and Drug Administration. First Combination Vaccine Approved to Help Protect Adolescents Against Whooping Cough . Rockville, MD: National Press Office; May 3, 2005. Talk Paper T05-17.

Cohn AC. Immunizations in the United States: a rite of passage. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2005; 52(3): 669-93, v.

• Review Date: 3/2/2006
• Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Assistant Professor, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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