Whooping Cough Treatment: Symptoms & Natural Remedies

Symptoms of Whooping Cough

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is an upper respiratory infection that causes uncontrollable, violent coughing. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis and is highly contagious.

Initial symptoms, about a week after being exposed to the bacteria, are similar to the common cold. About 10-12 days later, severe episodes of coughing starts. The high-pitched “whooping” sound comes at the end of a cough when the person tries to take a breath. The cough makes breathing difficult, may result in vomiting, and may even cause a short loss of consciousness.

Infants may not cough or whoop. Instead, they may gasp for air and even stop breathing for a few seconds.

Adults usually have mild symptoms of whooping cough without the whoop.

The infection normally lasts 6 weeks.

Whooping cough can be fatal, especially in young children. The following is intended to help treat and not cure whooping cough.

Whooping Cough Treatment

Drink small amounts of fluids frequently. Include plenty of water.

Eat small, frequent meals. Avoid mucus-forming foods, such as milk and milk products. Decrease fat intake. Eat foods high in vitamin C and zinc. Both can help boost the immune system.

Reduce factors that promote coughing attacks, such as dust, smoke, sudden change in temperature, and excitement.

Home remedies for the treatment of whooping cough include:

• Garlic is a powerful disease-fighting herb. Eat raw garlic or mix garlic juice with some olive oil and rub the mixture on the throat and chest.

• Honey can be given to help treat whooping cough. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tablespoon of honey and drink 4 times a day. You can also mix some honey with crushed garlic. Do not give honey to children under the age of 1.

• Lobelia can help clear mucus. Make a cup of lobelia tea, soak a cloth in it, lightly wring it out, and place the warm compress over the chest.

• Another natural whooping cough treatment is wild cherry bark. Native Americans used it for many years to treat lung ailments and today it is a common ingredient in many cough medications. Wild cherry bark has antibacterial properties, can boost the immune system, reduce a fever, rid the body of toxins, and soothe a sore throat. Drink up to 3 cups of tea a day. Do not give to children under the age of 2.

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