Clinically Diagnosing Pertussis-Associated Cough In Adults And Children
Publication Date: October 1, 2018
Last Updated: March 14, 2022
Recommendations
1. For adult patients complaining of acute cough (< 3 weeks in duration) or subacute cough (3-8 weeks), we suggest that clinicians should specifically assess for the 4 key characteristics of paroxysmal cough, post-tussive vomiting, inspiratory whooping, and absence of fever in ruling in or out a clinical diagnosis of pertussis. (2C)
Remark: Paroxysmal cough is defined as recurrent prolonged coughing episodes (ie, an expiratory phase with multiple burst of outflow) with an inability to breathe during spells. Posttussive vomiting is defined as vomiting induced by coughing. Inspiratory whooping is defined as a continuous inspiratory airway sound with a whooping quality to it. Fever is defined as any body temperature above the normal of 98.6°F (37°C).
315340
Title
Clinically Diagnosing Pertussis-Associated Cough In Adults And Children
Authoring Organization
American College of Chest Physicians