Whooping cough, unspecified species with pneumonia
ICD-10 A37.91 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of whooping cough, unspecified species with pneumonia.
Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused primarily by Bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by severe coughing fits that can lead to difficulty breathing, vomiting, and exhaustion. When accompanied by pneumonia, the condition can become more severe, particularly in infants and young children. The pneumonia associated with whooping cough can be due to the direct effects of the infection or secondary bacterial infections that arise as a complication. Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation, history of exposure, and laboratory confirmation through PCR testing or culture. Treatment usually includes antibiotics such as azithromycin or clarithromycin, which are most effective when administered early in the course of the illness. Vaccination is a key preventive measure, with the DTaP vaccine recommended for children and Tdap for adolescents and adults. Resistance patterns for Bordetella pertussis are not well-documented, but antibiotic resistance is a growing concern in other bacterial infections, necessitating careful selection of treatment protocols.
Detailed history of cough, vaccination status, and any complications.
Infants presenting with severe cough and difficulty breathing.
Documentation must clearly indicate the relationship between whooping cough and pneumonia.
Laboratory results, treatment protocols, and follow-up care.
Patients with recurrent respiratory infections following whooping cough.
Need for comprehensive documentation of antibiotic resistance patterns.
Used for follow-up visits after diagnosis of whooping cough with pneumonia.
Document the patient's history, examination findings, and treatment plan.
Pediatricians should ensure vaccination history is included.
Coding A37.91 accurately reflects the presence of whooping cough with pneumonia, which is crucial for treatment planning and understanding the epidemiology of the disease.
