Pertussis and GER – Two Causes of Long-term Cough

Summary

Pertussis and parapertussis are known causes of long-term cough in children. The two described cases concern patients who underwent infection with Bordetella pertusis or parapertussis and suffered from irritation tracheal cough which did not respond to systematic therapy with antitussive drugs. In view of absent acute respiratory infection the authors performed 24-hour measurement of distal esophagus for the detection of esophageal reflux. Since the finding was positive, both patients were subsequently treated with antireflux therapy, which results in diminution of cough and speeded up convalescence of the patients.

Key words:
pertussis, parapertussis, cough, gastroesophageal reflux