A 6-week-old boy is brought to the pediatrician by his mother due to a 7-day history of a worsening, repetitive cough. The mother describes the cough as occurring in rapid, short bursts, occasionally causing the infant's face to turn red, though without a distinct "whoop" sound or post-tussive emesis. The infant is exclusively breastfed and has been afebrile. He received his first hepatitis B vaccination at birth and is not yet due for his 2-month immunizations. Medical history is notable for bilateral mucopurulent eye discharge at 10 days of life, which resolved after a 7-day course of topical erythromycin ointment.
Vital signs are temperature 37.1°C (98.8°F), heart rate 145/min, respiratory rate 58/min, and oxygen saturation 95% on room air. Lung auscultation reveals bilateral scattered crackles and occasional expiratory wheezes without prominent intercostal retractions.
Laboratory testing shows a leukocyte count of with neutrophils, lymphocytes, and eosinophils. A chest radiograph demonstrates bilateral symmetric interstitial infiltrates and hyperinflation.
Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?
- Oral azithromycinCevap
- BSupportive care with nasal suctioning and hydration
- CNebulized albuterol and oral dexamethasone
- DIntravenous ceftriaxone
- EOral amoxicillin