Question

artie is a 21 y/o male who comes to the clinic with a chief complaint of paroxysmal coughing without an apparent cause. he states that this has been going on for about 15 days. he initially had a mild fever, and a runny nose. his most likely diagnosis is:

pertussis

atypical pneumonia

cap

common cold.

Explanation:

Pertussis is characterized by paroxysmal coughing which can last for weeks, often starting with mild cold - like symptoms such as a mild fever and runny nose. Atypical pneumonia usually has different symptoms like dry cough, headache, etc. Community - acquired pneumonia (CAP) typically presents with more severe respiratory and systemic symptoms. The common cold usually resolves within a week or so and doesn't typically have paroxysmal coughing that lasts 15 days.

Answer:

A. Pertussis