Chief Complaint: Cough
Determining the Cause
a. Chest X-Ray: Pneumonia
Differential Diagnosis
Pertussis*,
*Start Empiric Antbiotics - Empiric antibiotics for possible pertussis are typically recommended during the catarrhal phase or within three weeks of onset of cough This is important for both treatment and prevention of transmission. Early treatment, especially within the first few weeks of illness, can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms, as well as decrease the risk of transmission to others, particularly vulnerable populations like infants. Commonly used antibiotics include macrolides such as azithromycin, clarithromycin, or erythromycin. Specific guidance is tailored to individual cases, as recommendations may vary based on factors such as age, allergies, and local resistance patterns.
PCR of Nasopharyngeal Specimen