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Pertussis presenting as hoarseness in an adult

Stephen V Tornabene1, Joshua Crose, Raul M Cruz

  • 1Department of Head and Neck Surgery-Otolaryngology, Kaiser Permanente, 280 W. MacArthur Blvd., Oakland, CA 94611, USA. svtornabene@gmail.com

Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|February 24, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is uncommon in adults but can cause persistent hoarseness. Early diagnosis and azithromycin treatment led to symptom resolution in a 65-year-old man.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Pertussis (whooping cough) is rare in adults due to childhood vaccination.
  • Adult pertussis may present atypically, mimicking other laryngeal conditions.

Observation:

  • A 65-year-old man presented with weeks of worsening cough and hoarseness.
  • Laryngoscopy revealed vocal fold erythema; stroboscopy showed reduced amplitude and mucosal wave.
  • Sputum PCR confirmed Bordetella pertussis infection.

Findings:

  • Bordetella pertussis infection was identified as the cause of hoarseness in an adult.
  • Azithromycin treatment resulted in gradual resolution of both chest and laryngeal symptoms.

Implications:

  • Otolaryngologists should consider pertussis in adult patients with unexplained hoarseness.
  • This case highlights the importance of recognizing adult pertussis beyond typical childhood symptoms.
  • Vaccination remains crucial for preventing pertussis in all age groups.

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