Common Manifestations of Pertussis

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 128 views

Introduction

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It primarily affects children, and its symptoms can be severe, especially in young infants. As a nurse, it is essential to recognize the key manifestations of pertussis to provide accurate diagnosis and treatment. In this article, we will discuss the common symptoms of pertussis in children and identify the correct answer among the given options.

Understanding Pertussis

Pertussis is characterized by a persistent cough that can last for several weeks. The cough is often accompanied by a characteristic "whoop" sound, which is a high-pitched sound made by the child as they inhale after a coughing spell. The illness typically starts with mild symptoms, such as a runny nose and sneezing, which can progress to more severe symptoms, including a persistent cough and difficulty breathing.

Common Manifestations of Pertussis

Paroxysmal Cough

A paroxysmal cough is a characteristic symptom of pertussis. It is a series of coughs that can last for several minutes, followed by a brief period of silence before the next coughing spell begins. This type of cough is often accompanied by a high-pitched sound, known as a "whoop," which is made by the child as they inhale after a coughing spell.

Facial Erythema

Facial erythema, or redness of the face, is a common symptom of pertussis. The redness is often accompanied by a rash, which can appear on the face, neck, and arms. This symptom is often seen in children who are infected with pertussis.

Koplik Spots

Koplik spots are small, white spots that appear on the inside of the cheeks and lips. They are a characteristic symptom of measles, not pertussis. Koplik spots are not typically seen in children with pertussis.

Peeling of the Hands and Feet

Peeling of the hands and feet is not a common symptom of pertussis. This symptom is often seen in children with other illnesses, such as chickenpox or eczema.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct answer is C. Paroxysmal cough. A paroxysmal cough is a characteristic symptom of pertussis, and it is essential to recognize this symptom to provide accurate diagnosis and treatment. As a nurse, it is crucial to be aware of the common manifestations of pertussis and to provide proper care and treatment to children who are infected with this illness.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Pertussis (Whooping Cough).
World Health Organization. (2022). Pertussis.
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). Pertussis.

Discussion

What are the common manifestations of pertussis in children? How can nurses identify pertussis in children? What are the key symptoms of pertussis that nurses should look for? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Understanding Pertussis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Pertussis in Children: Prevention and Control Measures
The Importance of Vaccination in Preventing Pertussis
Pertussis Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers ===========================================================

Introduction

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It primarily affects children, and its symptoms can be severe, especially in young infants. As a nurse, it is essential to be aware of the common manifestations of pertussis and to provide accurate diagnosis and treatment. In this article, we will answer frequently asked questions about pertussis and provide valuable information for nurses and healthcare professionals.

Q&A

Q: What is pertussis?

A: Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It primarily affects children, and its symptoms can be severe, especially in young infants.

Q: What are the common symptoms of pertussis?

A: The common symptoms of pertussis include a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, and a characteristic "whoop" sound made by the child as they inhale after a coughing spell. Other symptoms may include a runny nose, sneezing, and facial erythema (redness of the face).

Q: How is pertussis transmitted?

A: Pertussis is highly contagious and can be transmitted through respiratory droplets, such as those produced by coughing or sneezing. It can also be transmitted through close contact with an infected person.

Q: Who is most at risk for pertussis?

A: Children under the age of 5, especially those under 1 year, are most at risk for pertussis. Infants under 6 months are at the highest risk, as they have not yet developed immunity to the disease.

Q: How is pertussis diagnosed?

A: Pertussis is typically diagnosed based on a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory tests, such as a nasopharyngeal swab or a blood test.

Q: What is the treatment for pertussis?

A: The treatment for pertussis typically involves antibiotics, such as macrolides or cephalosporins, to help reduce the severity and duration of the illness. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to provide supportive care.

Q: Can pertussis be prevented?

A: Yes, pertussis can be prevented through vaccination. The pertussis vaccine is typically given in combination with other vaccines, such as diphtheria and tetanus, as part of the DTaP vaccine series.

Q: What is the importance of vaccination in preventing pertussis?

A: Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent pertussis. The pertussis vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in preventing the disease, and it is recommended that all children receive the DTaP vaccine series to protect against pertussis.

Q: Can adults get pertussis?

A: Yes, adults can get pertussis, although it is less common than in children. Adults who are not vaccinated or who have not received a booster shot may be at risk for pertussis.

Q: What are the complications of pertussis?

A: The complications of pertussis can be severe, especially in young infants. They may include pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and encephalopathy (brain damage).

Q: How can nurses identify pertussis in children?

A: Nurses can identify pertussis in children by looking for the characteristic symptoms, such as a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, and a characteristic "whoop" sound made by the child as they inhale after a coughing spell.

Q: What are the key symptoms of pertussis that nurses should look for?

A: The key symptoms of pertussis that nurses should look for include a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, and a characteristic "whoop" sound made by the child as they inhale after a coughing spell.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness that primarily affects children. It is essential for nurses and healthcare professionals to be aware of the common manifestations of pertussis and to provide accurate diagnosis and treatment. By understanding the Q&A above, nurses can better identify and manage pertussis in children.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Pertussis (Whooping Cough).
World Health Organization. (2022). Pertussis.
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). Pertussis.

Discussion

What are your thoughts on pertussis? How can nurses and healthcare professionals better identify and manage pertussis in children? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

Understanding Pertussis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Pertussis in Children: Prevention and Control Measures
The Importance of Vaccination in Preventing Pertussis