Emergency Medicine

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Title: The Whooping Cough

Category: Pediatrics

Keywords: Pertussis (PubMed Search)

Posted: 6/27/2008 by Don Van Wie, DO (Updated: 3/3/2026)

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.