A37.90 Whooping cough, unspecified species without pneumonia

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Whooping Cough, Unspecified Species Without Pneumonia (Pertussis)

#### Summary
Whooping cough, medically known as pertussis, is a contagious respiratory disease characterized by severe coughing fits. This condition can affect people of all ages, although it's particularly serious for infants and young children.

#### Causes
Whooping cough is primarily caused by the bacterium *Bordetella pertussis*. It spreads easily from person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected individual coughs or sneezes.

#### Risk Factors
- Close contact with an infected person.
- Not being vaccinated or outdated vaccination.
- Infants and children under the age of 1.
- Living or working in crowded conditions.

#### Symptoms
- Severe coughing fits followed by a "whooping" sound when breathing in.
- Vomiting after coughing.
- Fatigue and exhaustion due to intense coughing bouts.
- Mild fever and runny nose in the early stages.

#### Diagnosis
- Physical examination and review of symptoms.
- Nasopharyngeal swab to identify the presence of *Bordetella pertussis*.
- Blood tests to support diagnosis in some cases.

#### Treatment Options
- Antibiotics to eliminate the bacterial infection and help prevent its spread.
- Supportive care such as rest, hydration, and managing symptoms.
- Hospitalization might be necessary for severe cases, especially in infants.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
With prompt treatment, the prognosis for whooping cough is generally good, but the recovery period can be prolonged. Regular follow-up is crucial to monitor recovery and prevent complications.

#### Complications
- Severe dehydration and weight loss from vomiting.
- Secondary bacterial infections such as pneumonia.
- Prolonged recuperation period, especially in young children and infants.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Ensure up-to-date vaccinations (DTaP for children, Tdap boosters for adults).
- Practice good hygiene, such as regular handwashing and covering the mouth when coughing.
- Avoid close contact with infected individuals.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Persistent or severe coughing fits.
- Difficulty breathing or whooping sound when inhaling.
- Signs of dehydration in infants, such as dry mouth and lack of tears.

#### Additional Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): [Pertussis (Whooping Cough) website](https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/index.html)
- World Health Organization (WHO): [Pertussis resources](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/pertussis)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure correct identification of the condition without additional complications like pneumonia.
- Double-check for the correct use of the ICD code A37.90.
- Verify details against medical records to confirm absence of pneumonia or additional diagnoses.

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