Whooping Cough
What is Whooping Cough
Whooping cough, a highly contagious disease caused by the bacterium, Bordetella pertussis; it derived its name from a characteristic severe hacking cough followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like 'whoop'. Most deaths occur in young infants who are either unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated; three doses of the vaccine are necessary for complete protection against pertussis.
What are the Symptoms of Whooping Cough
- A runny nose, cough, mild fever and loss of appetite.
- Spasms of coughing (with the characteristic "whoop" at the end).
- Vomiting after coughing episodes.
Whooping cough or pertussis, is a highly contagious and potentially dangerous respiratory infection. It should always be treated by a conventional doctor. If left untreated, it can cause lung damage and recurrent bronchial infections, brain damage or death.
What are the Causes of Whooping Cough
Whooping cough is caused by bacteria. It is spread by droplets of water sneezed or coughed by the sufferer.
Traditional Medical Treatments for Whooping Cough
You must go to a doctor and receive treatment for this as soon as possible. Any delay could be very dangerous.
Complementaty/Alternative Treatments for Whooping Cough
Alternative therapies should be used only in conjunction with conventional medicine.
Herbal Therapies: For cough relief, try wild black cherry (Prunus serotina) bark syrup.
Other herbs that might help relieve the cough include sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) & thyme.
Homoeopathy: Homoeopathic remedies can help supplement conventional care remedies may include Carbo vegetabilis, Drosera, or Coccus cacti.