Bronchiolitis vs Pertussis
Bronchiolitis and Pertussis are easy to mix up on the boards. Here's a side-by-side comparison — presentation, workup, imaging, and first-line treatment — drawn from our full outlines.
Bronchiolitis vs Pertussis at a glance
- Bronchiolitis: Viral lower respiratory tract infection of infants causing wheeze, hypoxia, and dehydration.
- Pertussis: Bordetella pertussis respiratory infection with paroxysmal cough and inspiratory whoop.
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Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Bronchiolitis | Pertussis |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | Viral lower respiratory tract infection of infants causing wheeze, hypoxia, and dehydration. | Bordetella pertussis respiratory infection with paroxysmal cough and inspiratory whoop. |
| Classic presentation | 1-3 days of URI symptoms (rhinorrhea, cough, low-grade fever); Progression to lower respiratory tract: tachypnea, wheeze, cough, increased work of breathing;… | Paroxysmal coughing fits with inspiratory whoop and post-tussive emesis lasting >2 weeks in a child or adolescent. Apnea (not cough) in young infant.;… |
| Workup / key labs | Clinical diagnosis — routine viral testing NOT recommended in typical cases (does not change management); RSV testing may help with cohorting, public health… | CDC clinical case definition: cough ≥2 weeks with paroxysms, inspiratory whoop, OR post-tussive emesis without other apparent cause. Laboratory confirmation:… |
| Imaging | Chest radiograph NOT routinely recommended (AAP 2014) — risk of overdiagnosis of pneumonia and unnecessary antibiotics; Obtain CXR if focal exam findings,… | Chest radiograph: often normal or shows perihilar infiltrate ('shaggy heart border'); rules out pneumonia and other complications |
| First-line treatment | Supportive care — cornerstone:; Suction nasal secretions (gentle bulb suction before feeds; deep suction NOT recommended); Hydration: oral/NG feeds if… | Antibiotic treatment primarily REDUCES TRANSMISSION; clinical benefit greatest if started in catarrhal or early paroxysmal phase; Macrolide first-line:;… |
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