A 12-year-old with persistent cough and weight loss is likely suffering from what condition?

In a 12-year-old presenting with persistent cough and weight loss, the indication of infection with Bordetella pertussis, or whooping cough, can be a plausible diagnosis. Pertussis typically presents with severe coughing fits, which can persist for weeks, and it may be associated with weight loss due to difficulty eating or drinking during episodes of coughing. The age of the child also aligns with the possibility of this bacterial infection, as adolescents may exhibit atypical presentations of this condition.

Additionally, Bordetella pertussis can cause significant respiratory symptoms that can interfere with normal daily activities, potentially leading to weight loss. This connection helps to establish a clear link between the persistent cough and the weight loss observed.

Other conditions like viral pneumonia, bronchial asthma, and cystic fibrosis could also present with cough but may not typically coincide with weight loss to the same extent or present the combination of symptoms as prominently as seen in pertussis in this age group. For instance, viral pneumonia usually presents acutely and is more linked to fever and dramatic respiratory distress rather than prolonged cough with significant weight loss. Bronchial asthma is characterized more by wheezing and shortness of breath than a persistent cough alone, which may not lead directly to weight loss