RT Book, Section A1 Mace, Sharon E. A2 Schafermeyer, Robert A2 Tenenbein, Milton A2 Macias, Charles G. A2 Sharieff, Ghazala Q. A2 Yamamoto, Loren G. SR Print(0) ID 1105682146 T1 Pertussis T2 Strange and Schafermeyer's Pediatric Emergency Medicine, 4e YR 2014 FD 2014 PB McGraw-Hill Education PP New York, NY SN 978-0-07-182926-7 LK accessemergencymedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1105682146 RD 2024/03/28 AB Pertussis can occur in any age group, but is most severe in infants <6 months.The catarrhal stage is characterized by upper respiratory tract symptoms which are followed by a paroxysmal phase characterized by staccato cough.Lymphocytosis is suggestive of the disease, but is not always present.Treatment is supportive including oxygen for hypoxia and intravenous fluids for dehydration. Macrolides limit spread of the disease and are effective if given early.Indications for hospital admission include infants <6 months, hypoxia, and dehydration.