Whooping cough due to Bordetella pertussis
ICD-10 A37.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of whooping cough due to bordetella pertussis.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by severe coughing fits that can lead to a 'whooping' sound during inhalation. The disease primarily affects infants and young children but can also occur in adolescents and adults. The clinical presentation typically begins with mild respiratory symptoms, including a runny nose, sneezing, and low-grade fever, which can progress to paroxysmal coughing episodes. These coughing fits can be so severe that they lead to vomiting or difficulty breathing. Complications may include pneumonia, seizures, and in rare cases, death, particularly in infants. Vaccination with the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine is the primary preventive measure against whooping cough. Treatment usually involves antibiotics, such as azithromycin or erythromycin, which are most effective when administered early in the course of the disease. However, antibiotic resistance patterns have been observed, necessitating careful selection of treatment regimens. Public health measures, including vaccination campaigns and monitoring of outbreaks, are crucial in controlling the spread of this disease.
Detailed history of cough, vaccination status, and any complications.
Infants presenting with severe cough and difficulty breathing.
Documentation of the onset and duration of symptoms is critical for accurate coding.
Laboratory confirmation of Bordetella pertussis and detailed treatment history.
Outbreak investigations and management of pertussis cases.
Understanding antibiotic resistance patterns is essential for treatment coding.
Administering the DTaP vaccine to prevent whooping cough.
Document vaccine administration date and patient consent.
Pediatricians should ensure vaccination history is up-to-date.
Whooping cough is primarily caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.
Treatment typically involves antibiotics such as azithromycin or erythromycin, especially if administered early in the disease course.
Complications can include pneumonia, seizures, and in severe cases, death, particularly in infants.
