A whooping cough (also known as pertussis or a 100-day cough) is a highly contagious bacterial disease. Initially, symptoms are usually similar to those of the common cold with a runny nose, fever, and mild cough. This is followed by weeks of severe coughing fits. Following a fit of coughing, a high-pitched whoop sound or gasp may occur as the person breathes in. The coughing may last for 10 or more weeks, hence the phrase “A 100-day cough”. A person may cough so hard that they vomit, break ribs, or become very tired from the effort. Children less than one-year-old may have little or no cough and instead, have periods where they do not breathe. The time between infection and the onset of symptoms is usually seven to ten days. The disease may occur in those who have been vaccinated, but symptoms are typically milder.

Pertussis is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is an airborne disease which spreads easily through the coughs and sneezes of an infected person. People are infectious from the start of symptoms until about three weeks into the coughing fits. Those treated with antibiotics are no longer infectious after five days. Diagnosis is by collecting a sample from the back of the nose and throat. This sample can then be tested by either culture or by polymerase chain reaction. [1]

Symptoms:

FIRST STAGE: Lasts 3 – 7 days and consists of a runny nose, sneezing, slight fever, and a cough which is worse at night. Comes in spasms, and becomes progressively stronger.

SECOND STAGE: Coughs are so close together the child cannot draw another breath and appears to be suffocating. The air is then sucked in with such a force that it produces the characteristic whoop. After several spasms (lasting 2 – 3 minutes) the child perspires, brings up some thick, slimy mucous and may vomit food. This leaves the child exhausted and frightened but he/she recovers and can be quite happy between attacks. There may be 40 – 50 attacks daily. Young infants and immunised children who develop whooping cough may have all the symptoms without the whoop.

Infants younger than 18 months need constant supervision because their breathing may temporarily stop during coughing spells. Infants with severe cases should be hospitalized.

An oxygen tent with high humidity may be used.

SEASON: Common Spring and Autumn.

AGE: Under 5

INCUBATION PERIOD: 7 – 14 Days.

ISOLATION PERIOD: For three weeks from the date of onset of the typical spasms.

RECOVERY TIME: Mild cases with no whoop: 7 – 10 days. More serious cases can last from three weeks to two months.

COMPLICATIONS: Pneumonia, convulsions and measles – all of which, in combination with a whooping cough, are very serious; also dehydration, malnutrition and blood nose.

We use various naturopathic principles to treat the cause and look for the disharmony in your body and mind to bring your body back to balance. Please see below a brief treatment (Rx) protocol and reference guide, with choices to help improve your health and wellbeing. Click on the headings and links within for more treatment information.

1. SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE – highly contagious and should be reported to your doctor as soon as possible.
2. Keep Hydrated – give fluids! Fresh homemade fruit, vegetable juices and broths. Overloading the stomach with food is to be avoided.
3. Avoid cold draughts.
4. Keep warm and well rested. Be prepared for vomiting.
5. Use essential oils in vapouriser in the child's bedroom. Eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, etc.
6. Reassure child during spasms; support.
7. BUILD RESISTANCE – strengthen the immune system. Breastfeed as long as possible to build natural immunity. Introduce health food one at a time to your baby. Avoid food and food groups that are known allergens. See nutritional medicine and food sensitivity testing.

HERBAL MEDICINE is beneficial in treating this condition. Below is some herbal medicines that your professional medical herbalist may prescribe.

• Thyme – helps reduce the viscosity of muc0us, improves clearing of excess mucous and has antibacterial actions
• Wild Cherry – helps reduce the frequency and severity of coughing
• Mullein – reduces mucous production soothes mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and helps reduce viscosity of mucous and improve mucous clearance
• Perlargonium – for immune support with antibacterial actions
• Echinacea – for immune support, pain relief, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions
• Garlic – helps decrease viscosity mucous, supports immune function and has antibacterial actions
• Golden Seal – helps restore mucous membrane function and has antimicrobial actions
• Euphorbia – for congestion and spasms of the respiratory tract, helps reduce viscosity of mucous and improves clearing of excess mucous
• White Horehound – helps reduce viscosity of mucous and improves clearing of excess mucous