A 3-month-old boy presented to the Emergency Room with history paroxysmal episodes of cough followed by whoopi sounds at the end of each episode. It is associated with perioral cya... A 3-month-old boy presented to the Emergency Room with history paroxysmal episodes of cough followed by whoopi sounds at the end of each episode. It is associated with perioral cyanosis and post-tussive vomiting. There is no history of diarrhea. This iliness has been preceded by runny nose a few days ago. History revealed he did not receive his 2-month vaccine yet. On examination, the child looks unwell and tachypneic. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis? A. Pertussis B. Adenovirus pneumonia C. Mycoplasma pneumonia D. Chlamydia trachomatis pneumonia
Understand the Problem
The question describes a clinical scenario of a 3-month-old infant presenting with symptoms suggestive of a respiratory infection. The key symptoms include paroxysmal cough with whooping sounds, perioral cyanosis, post-tussive vomiting, preceding runny nose, and incomplete vaccination. The question asks to select the most likely diagnosis from the given options.
Answer
A. Pertussis
The most likely diagnosis is Pertussis (A). The symptoms described, including paroxysmal cough followed by a whooping sound, perioral cyanosis, post-tussive vomiting, and a preceding runny nose, especially in an unvaccinated infant, are classic indicators of pertussis.
Answer for screen readers
The most likely diagnosis is Pertussis (A). The symptoms described, including paroxysmal cough followed by a whooping sound, perioral cyanosis, post-tussive vomiting, and a preceding runny nose, especially in an unvaccinated infant, are classic indicators of pertussis.
More Information
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by severe coughing fits followed by a high-pitched "whoop" sound during inhalation.
Tips
A common mistake is to consider other respiratory infections like adenovirus or mycoplasma pneumonia. However, the classic "whoop" sound and post-tussive vomiting are strong indicators of pertussis, especially in young, unvaccinated children.
Sources
- Symptoms of Whooping Cough - CDC - cdc.gov
- Whooping Cough (Pertussis) (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth - kidshealth.org
- Whooping cough - Symptoms & causes - Mayo Clinic - mayoclinic.org
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