Complications

Complication
Timeframe
Likelihood
short term
medium

Paroxysmal coughing may disturb sleep.[1]​​[10][29]

short term
low

Pneumonia is the most common complication of pertussis and may be a primary infection from Bordetella pertussis or may be a secondary infection to other organisms.[1]​ It is seen in up to 8% of adults, but in up to one quarter of infants.​[2][29]​​​ 

Overview of pneumonia

short term
low

Seizures occur in around 1% of infants with pertussis and may be due to cerebral hypoxia secondary to severe paroxysms of cough, pertussis encephalopathy, or intracranial complication such as bleeding.[1]​​[10][29]

Treated with appropriate seizure medications.

Overview of seizure disorder

short term
low

Patient is observed for deterioration requiring ventilation.

short term
low

Rib fracture from severe coughing is a possible complication in adolescents and adults.[10][29]

Rib fractures

short term
low

Encephalopathy occurs in around 0.5% to 1% of infants with pertussis.[10][29]

short term
low

Poor feeding, dehydration, faltering growth, and weight loss are possible complications in infants and young children with pertussis.[10][29]

short term
low

Severe coughing may cause conjunctival hemorrhage, epistaxis, and, more rarely, subdural hematoma, in infants and children.[10][29]

short term
low

Paroxysmal coughing may result in urinary incontinence, syncope, rectal prolapse, inguinal and other hernias, and pneumothorax.[1]​​[10][29]

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