Medical history (history of illness) is an important component in the diagnosis of pertussis (whooping cough). Family history What is the general health of your relatives? Social anamnesis Current medical history/systemic medical history (somatic and psychological complaints). Have you noticed any symptoms such as cough, cold, or fever? Do you suffer from severe staccato-like coughing … Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Medical History
Respiratory System (J00-J99) Bronchial asthma Chronic bronchitis – inflammation of the bronchi. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99). Inflammation of the upper respiratory tract caused by various pathogens such as rhino or influenza viruses. Tuberculosis (consumption) Neoplasms – tumor diseases (C00-D48) Bronchial carcinoma (lung cancer) Injuries, poisonings, and other consequences of … Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by pertussis (whooping cough): Respiratory system (J00-J99) Alveolar rupture – rupture of alveoli. Pneumonia (lung inflammation) (most common complication, especially in newborns and infants) (10%) Pneumothorax – inflow of air in the actually airless pleural space (space between the ribs and … Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Complications
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, body weight, body height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes and sclerae (white part of the eye). Examination of the lungs Auscultation (listening) of the lungs [due todifferential diagnoses: bronchial asthma; chronic bronchitis … Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Examination
2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification Small blood count Differential blood count Bacteriology: nasopharyngeal swab, (possibly nasal or throat swab) [cultural detection is reliable only within two weeks]. Pathogen detection by PCR (dry swab; material: tracheal secretion, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL; method … Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Test and Diagnosis
Therapeutic targets Elimination of the pathogens Alleviation of discomfort Avoidance of complications Therapy recommendations Symptomatic therapy (antitussive/antitussive for nighttime rest, if necessary), i.e., treatment of symptoms. Sensible antibiotic therapy starts early (i.e., in the stage catarrhale/initial stage with cold-like cough; at the latest by 3 weeks after the onset of the stage convulsivum/seizure-like cough). Only … Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Drug Therapy
Pertussis is diagnosed on the basis of history, physical examination, and possibly laboratory diagnostics. Optional medical device diagnostics -depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics– for differential diagnosis or to exclude complications. Magnetic resonance imaging of the skull (cranial MRI, cranial MRI or cMRI) – if … Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Diagnostic Tests
Pertussis vaccination (pertussis vaccine) is the most important and effective preventive measure. Adults should receive the Tdap combination vaccine once at the next Td vaccination due (see pertussis vaccination below). Furthermore, to prevent pertussis, care must be taken to reduce risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Avoid contact with infected persons during the phase of infection. … Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Prevention
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate pertussis (whooping cough): Symptoms in the catarrhal stage (initial stage with a cold-like cough; usually lasts 1-2 weeks). Cough Common cold General weakness in performance Mild fever (rather rare) Symptoms in the convulsivum stage (bouts of coughing (staccato cough); usually lasts 4-6 weeks). Coughing fits that occur intermittently, … Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
Pathogenesis (development of disease) Pertussis is caused by the gram-negative bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It produces various toxins (poisons) such as pertussis toxin. After infection with the pathogen, the bordetellae multiply in the respiratory tract (area of the respiratory tract), where they lead to destruction of the mucous membrane. In the past, it was mainly children … Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Causes
