Also called Pertussis, this cough is not nice. Although there many cases of Whooping cough that are reported every season, it has now catapulted to a disease that can strike at any time of the year. Despite the various preventive measures that are taken to curb it, including the vaccination in infancy, the disease does manage to spread and counter all preventive measures.
Normally once infected, it takes about 10 days to relieve the signs and symptoms of the cough to appear and diagnosis of the condition is then possible. The initial symptoms resemble that of the cold and cough that is normally caught with viral infections mainly attributed to weather change. This write up is discussing about the common symptoms and natural remedies for whooping cough.
Common Symptoms of Whooping Cough
It may not be easy to identify between the common cold and Whooping cough except the Whoop Sound while the coughing bouts are persistent. Other symptoms that need to be checked are:
- Runny and flowing nose
- A nasal congestion
- Red and water filled eyes that flow as tears
- Fever and cough that persists
All these signs and symptoms worsen after the first week or so. In fact with the prolonged coughing bouts, the congestion increases blocking the breathing tracts that can cause major coughing bouts and result in Vomiting, air deprived red or blue face and extreme fatigue. In fact it is not necessary for the Whoop sound to develop in all cases. Sometimes just the persistent cough that is harsh and tiring is enough to diagnose the condition. The worst is the case with children wherein they might not even cough but could stop breathing and struggle to breath. This has to be taken care of!
Causes of Whooping Cough
Primarily it is a bacterial infection and is caused when a person suffering from Whooping cough transmits the bacteria to the other person. It is a three stage disease where in in the first stage, lasting 2 weeks, a low grade fever develops with a runny nose and mild coughing. The next stage is the aggravation of the coughing with a whopping sound, and may cause hospitalization. The third stage would be classified as the recovery stage and is characterized by reduction in the coughing bouts and disappearance of fever.
Natural Remedies for Whooping Cough
1. Garlic
The best known treatment for Whooping cough is fresh garlic juice that is taken two to three times in a day. Another natural treatment would include mixing a teaspoon of fresh ginger and fenugreek seeds in one cup of water and boiling it. Drinking this syrup is proven to be very effective in Whooping cough!
2. The Vitamin C Treatment
For children who are being breastfed, increasing the Vitamin C intake in the diet of the nursing mother, helps in relive the symptoms. In fact, in adults as well, increasing the intake of vitamin C would help in alleviating the symptoms completely.
3. Turmeric
A power house of antibacterial and antiviral properties, Turmeric can be consumed in any form to get rid of the condition. The raw form of turmeric consumed as two pinches in the mouth twice a day is affective and so is mixing a little turmeric in the milk or water that is consumed warmer than room temperature.
You may also try mixing one pinch of turmeric with a spoon of honey and licking it for immediate and proven relief.
4. Honey
Antiseptic in nature, Honey can help in eliminating the bacterial infection. Simply add a spoon of honey to a warm glass of water and drink everyday till the coughing subsides. Also, you can add a pinch of cinnamon powder to a spoon of honey to sleep peacefully at night.
5. Oregano
This is another effective remedy against Whooping cough. Inhale oregano oil when steamed in water by covering a towel on your head to prevent the steam from evaporating. This eases the congestion and relieves the cough.
You would love to drink the oregano tea as well. Not only is it a tasty option but it is effective and gives immediate results.
6. Lemons
Lemons can also benefit the condition by decreasing the thickness and consistency of the phlegm that causes the congestion apart from enhancing the immunity of the body. Add a few drops of fresh lemon to a spoonful of honey mixed in warm water and drink twice a day for noticeable relief.
Some Additional Tips
- Drink enough water. You can also try sniffing camphor for easing the congestion.
- Do not step out in cold and lower temperatures
- Stay away from allergens like smoke and perfumes
- Avoid sugars, milk and dairy products
- Don’t eat crumbly and dry foods like cookies and muffins. They increase the cough!
Also, consult a doctor as soon as the conditions worsen. Self-treatment may not be a good idea in infants and children!