Faculty Collaboration Database

Diagnosis and laryngeal complications of Bordatella pertussis infection in the ambulatory adult population. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2014 Nov;151(5):714-7

Date

09/11/2014

Pubmed ID

25205637

DOI

10.1177/0194599814549316

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-84908663209 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   3 Citations

Abstract

Bordatella pertussis infection leads to a chronic, debilitating, and paroxysmal cough that can last for months to years. Incidence of B pertussis in the immunized adult population is rising nationwide, but many otolaryngologists are unfamiliar with the diagnosis and management of this disease. Adults often present late in the disease process when traditional diagnostic testing is ineffective and without the classic pediatric symptoms of whooping cough. As a result, B pertussis infections in adults are often overlooked or misdiagnosed as asthma exacerbations or viral bronchitis, leading to increased morbidity, unnecessary testing, and additional exposure of vulnerable populations to the pathogen. This commentary describes 3 adult cases of B pertussis confirmed with serum testing in the ambulatory population and describes varied presentations based on time from initial infection. Specific emphasis is presented on the physical manifestations of the disease in laryngeal structures, methods of diagnosis, and recommendations for treatment.

Author List

Leschke TM, Blumin JH, Bock JM

Authors

Joel H. Blumin MD Chief, Professor in the Otolaryngology department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Jonathan Bock MD Professor in the Otolaryngology department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Aged
Female
Humans
Laryngeal Diseases
Male
Middle Aged
Whooping Cough
Young Adult