Which signs indicate pertussis?

• A. Coughing fits with a "whooping" sound and fever
• B. Barrel chest, pursed-lip breathing, cyanosis, and dyspnea on exertion
• C. High fever, drooling, stridor, and tripod position in a child
• D. Cough, runny/stuffy nose, and sore throat

Answer: (A)

Pertussis is most suggested when you see abrupt, intense coughing fits that end with an inspiratory “whoop.” That distinctive sound during the catch of air is the hallmark feature that helps distinguish pertussis from other respiratory illnesses, even though fever can be mild or absent. The combination of paroxysmal coughing and a whoop points you toward pertussis and should prompt appropriate isolation and treatment to limit spread.

The other signs describe different problems: barrel-chest with pursed-lip breathing, cyanosis, and dyspnea on exertion fit obstructive or severe respiratory distress rather than pertussis; high fever with drooling, stridor, and a child leaning forward suggests an acute upper airway obstruction such as epiglottitis or severe croup; a simple cough with runny nose and sore throat is common with a viral upper respiratory infection and lacks the characteristic whoop pattern.