Natural remedies for whooping cough

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a respiratory infection caused by a bacterium - Bordetella pertussis. Pertussis spreads via droplets produced by coughing or sneezing. The initial symptoms resemble those of a common cold including mild fever, runny nose, and cough, which then develops into a hacking, violent cough followed by whooping. Whooping refers to the sound that follows during prolonged intake of breath after coughing. About one-third of babies under one year old with whooping cough need care in the hospital. 68% of those hospital-treated babies under one year old will have apnea (life-threatening difficulties in breathing). 22% of them may catch lung infections. Infection increases the risk of convulsions, encephalopathy, and death. Natural remedies for whooping cough

The complications in adolescents and adults are relatively less severe especially if they are vaccinated. They may suffer from complications like pneumonia. A severe, violent cough, in teens and adults, increases the risk of rib fracture, passing out, loss of bladder control, or even weight loss. The infection increases the risk of pneumonia. Once inside the body, the bacteria causing pertussis attaches to the tiny, hair-like extensions (called cilia) that line the inner side of the upper respiratory tract. There, it releases the toxins which damage the cilia and cause the airways to swell.

Pay a visit to the healthcare provider in case any of the symptoms listed above are present, even the mild ones. Early medical treatment is a key to a less serious infection. Pertussis treatment includes oxygen support, suctioning the mucus out, preventing dehydration, and avoidance of respiratory irritants that trigger coughing. Patients who develop pneumonia, nervous system complications, or who are unable to take the nutrients in by mouth are usually hospitalized. Treatment of whooping cough usually involves antibiotics. Faster initiation of treatment before the violent coughing fits start is a must to prevent the infection's spreading to others and to accelerate its progress to a severe stage. Refrain from using cough medicine unless it is recommended by the healthcare provider.

As they say, prevention is better than cure. The best way to prevent whooping cough is vaccination. The whooping cough vaccine is highly recommended in unimmunized adults. Vaccination of pregnant women is effective in preventing pertussis in infants who are too young to be vaccinated. The three-dose series diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP)-containing vaccine is recommended in infancy. The World Health Organization recommends the first dose at six weeks of age, subsequent doses at age 10-14 weeks and 14-18 weeks, and a booster dose during the second year of life. Doctors may prescribe preventive antibiotics preemptively in individuals at high risk of developing the infection. This is especially needed if there is a baby or pregnant woman in the household or if contact with a baby or pregnant woman is expected.