Pertussis — MRCPCH FOP MCQ

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ModerateRespiratoryPertussisMRCPCH FOP

A 7-week-old boy has paroxysms of coughing followed by apnoea and colour change. He is afebrile, has post-tussive vomiting and his mother had a prolonged cough during late pregnancy. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: C — Pertussis

Paroxysmal cough with apnoea and post-tussive vomiting in a young infant is typical of pertussis. Bronchiolitis may cause apnoea in small infants, but the post-tussive vomiting and maternal prolonged cough are stronger clues. Croup would cause barking cough and stridor rather than cough paroxysms. The pearl is that young infants may not whoop and may present with apnoea.

Reference: UKHSA Green Book Pertussis; NICE CKS Whooping cough