Pertussis

Alternative names:

whooping cough

Treatment:

Erythromycin, an antibiotic, is given and may shorten the duration of the symptoms somewhat. 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 indicated if coughing spells are severe enough to prevent adequate oral (by mouth) fluid intake. Sedatives may be prescribed for young children. Cough mixtures or expectorants and cough suppressants are usually not helpful and should not be used.

Expectations (prognosis):

Untreated severe disease in infants has a poor prognosis (probable outcome). The disease has a one percent to 2 percent death rate. Death may occur from lack of oxygen to the brain (anoxic encephalopathy) and bronchopneumonia

Complications:

• slowed or stopped breathing (apnea)
• pneumonia
• convulsions due to lack of oxygen can cause permanent brain damage
• nose bleeds
• ear infections
• anoxic encephalopathy
• cerebral hemorrhage
• seizure disorder (permanent)
• developmental retardation

Calling your health care provider:

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

Emergency symptoms include a bluish skin coloration indicating a lack of oxygen, periods of stopped breathing (apnea), seizures or convulsions, high fever, persistent vomiting, and dehydration.