Whooping cough, unspecified
ICD-10 A37.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of whooping cough, unspecified.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. It primarily affects the respiratory system and is characterized by severe coughing fits that can lead to a 'whooping' sound during inhalation. The disease is particularly dangerous for infants and young children, who may experience complications such as pneumonia, seizures, and in severe cases, death. The incubation period for whooping cough is typically 7 to 10 days, and the illness progresses through three stages: catarrhal (mild symptoms), paroxysmal (intense coughing), and convalescent (gradual recovery). Diagnosis is often based on clinical presentation and can be confirmed through laboratory tests such as PCR or culture. Vaccination is the primary preventive measure, with the DTaP vaccine recommended for children and Tdap for adolescents and adults. Treatment usually involves antibiotics, 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.
Detailed history of cough, vaccination status, and any complications.
Infants presenting with severe cough and difficulty breathing.
Ensure accurate age documentation as infants are at higher risk for severe disease.
Laboratory confirmation of pertussis and treatment response.
Outbreak investigations and management of pertussis in adults.
Document antibiotic resistance patterns and treatment adjustments.
Used for follow-up visits for whooping cough management.
Document history of present illness, review of systems, and treatment plan.
Pediatricians should ensure vaccination history is included.
Coding A37.9 is important for tracking whooping cough cases, especially in outbreak situations. Accurate coding helps in understanding the epidemiology of the disease and ensuring appropriate public health responses.
