Guidelines
Diagnostic Considerations

Diagnostic Considerations

Rule out Pneumonia

Pneumonia is UNLIKELY in healthy immunocompetent adults <70 years without:

  • Heart rate >100 bpm
  • Respiratory rate >24 bpm
  • Oral temperature >38ºC (100.4ºF)
  • Abnormal chest exam (rales, egophony, tactile fremitus, or dullness to percussion), or
  • Infiltrate on chest x-ray

Consider Pertussis

Test and treat in patients with persistent cough when pertussis is circulating widely in the community or when any of the following are present:

  • Paroxysms
  • Inspiratory whoop
  • Exposure to known pertussis case

Treat pertusis with azithromycin as below