Pertussis means "violent cough". 

Think of it with prolonged coughing, inspiratory whoop, absolute lymphocytosis, or chronic cough.

Don't Use cough suppressants.

Pertussis can be a life threatening Infection!!  Especially in infants and young children.

 

 

Factors that should prompt a consideration of admitting the patient are the following:

• Age younger than 1 year
• Pneumonia
• Apneic or cyanotic spells or hypoxia
• Moderate-to-severe dehydration

 

 

Pertussis is a reportable infectious disease in the United States.