Whooping cough due to Bordetella pertussis without pneumonia
ICD-10 A37.00 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of whooping cough due to bordetella pertussis without pneumonia.
Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by 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 infection is transmitted through respiratory droplets from an infected person. Symptoms typically begin with mild respiratory symptoms, including a runny nose, sneezing, and low-grade fever, which can progress to intense coughing fits. In cases coded as A37.00, the patient does not exhibit pneumonia, which is a common complication of pertussis. Diagnosis is often confirmed through clinical evaluation and laboratory tests, including PCR or culture of nasopharyngeal secretions. Treatment usually involves antibiotics such as azithromycin or erythromycin, which are most effective when administered early in the course of the illness. Vaccination with the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine is crucial for prevention, especially in infants. Understanding the nuances of this condition is essential for accurate coding and effective patient management.
Detailed history of symptoms, vaccination status, and treatment response.
Infants presenting with severe cough, adolescents with persistent cough, and adults with atypical presentations.
Ensure documentation reflects the absence of pneumonia and any complications.
Comprehensive lab results, treatment regimens, and follow-up care notes.
Patients with recurrent cough post-infection and those requiring hospitalization.
Focus on antibiotic resistance patterns and treatment efficacy.
Used for follow-up visits after diagnosis of whooping cough.
Document history of present illness, review of systems, and treatment plan.
Pediatricians should emphasize vaccination history.
The primary treatment for whooping cough is antibiotics, such as azithromycin or erythromycin, which are most effective when started early in the course of the illness.
