Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a very contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory tract. It is characterized by violent coughing, followed by a "whoop" sound as the person tries to breathe in.

Pertussis can be deadly to infants and small children. Children in the U.S. are routinely vaccinated for pertussis, but the disease is rising again, especially in infants who have not completed the series of vaccinations and in teens whose immunity has worn off. Babies need a series of three vaccines before they are fully protected. The vaccine keeps children from getting the disease when they are most at risk, but immunity weakens as we get older and teens and adults who have been vaccinated can still get a milder form of the disease. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children between 11 and 18 get a booster shot that includes a whooping cough vaccine.

There are three stages of the disease.

Stage one (lasts 1 - 2 weeks):

• Upper respiratory infection. Can be mistaken for the common cold
• Slight fever (less than 100.4° F)
• Loss of appetite
• Very runny nose
• Sneezing
• Mild, occasional cough

Stage two (lasts 1 - 6 weeks):

• Cough gets worse (2 - 50 times a day) and coughing spells last longer
• Cough may end with a “whooping” sound as the person tries to draw a breath (however, not all people have the “whoop” sound)
• Sudden intense bouts of coughing (paroxysms) can cause bulging and tearing eyes, tongue sticking out, and bluish discoloration
• Vomiting or choking may follow coughing bouts
• Pneumonia may develop

Stage three (lasts 2 weeks to several months):

• Cough slowly goes away away

Whooping cough is caused by a bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. It is spread through droplets coughed or sneezed into the air. It is a highly contagious disease. Adults with a mild form can infect people who have not yet been vaccinated.

Sometimes your doctor can diagnose whooping cough by listening to your cough. But whooping cough can be hard to diagnose in the early stages. Your health care provider may take a smear from your nose or throat, and ask you to avoid contact with others while you are contagious. People with complications, severe coughing bouts, or who are under two years of age are hospitalized.

Whooping cough can be deadly to a baby under 6 months of age, and can cause complications even in toddlers. A baby with pertussis should be treated immediately by a doctor. In adults, treatment is largely to control symptoms and prevent spreading. Quarantine, IV fluids and nutrition, oxygen, and a ventilator may be needed in some cases.

Drug Therapies

• Antibiotics -- reduce transmission and shorten the duration of the illness. Azithromycin (Zithromax) or erythromycin are often prescribed.
• Corticosteroids such as betamethasone (0.075 mg daily per kilogram of body weight) -- may reduce severity and length of coughing fits, especially in infants.
• Albuterol (0.3 - 0.5 mg daily per kilogram of body weight) -- reduces the severity of coughing fits.

Over-the-counter cough suppressants have no effect and should not be used, especially in children under 2.

Surgical and Other Procedures

Suctioning of secretions, oxygen, IV fluids, and electrolytes are used for infants and adults at risk for longer illness.

Mist by tent may help infants.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies

Pertussis should be treated with antibiotics. Do not rely on herbs and supplements alone, especially for children. Supplements, herbs, and homeopathy may help you recover faster when used along with conventional medications. Always talk with your doctor if you are using alternative therapies in addition to medication.

Nutrition

Note: Doses given are for children. Adults should double the amounts.

Give small, frequent meals of vegetable broths, steamed vegetables, and fresh fruit (especially pineapple and grapes).

Vitamin C (200 - 500 mg two times per day. Children over 4 can have up to 3,000 mg per day in divided doses for short periods of time), zinc (10 - 15 mg per day), and beta-carotene (10,000 - 25,000 IU per day). Be sure to use beta-carotene and not vitamin A. Ask your doctor before giving vitamin supplements to a child.

Herbs

Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider to diagnose your problem before starting any treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted.

Pertussis should be treated with antibiotics. Do not rely on herbs alone, especially to treat a child. Do not give herbs to a child without first checking with your pediatrician.

No studies have looked at whether herbs can help specifically with whooping cough, but these herbs have been used traditionally to treat coughs and strengthen the immune system.

Catarrhal stage: Choose two herbs from each of the first two categories. Combine in equal parts in a tea (½ cup every 3 - 4 hours), a tincture or glycerite (30 drops every 3 - 4 hours).

Paroxysmal stage: In addition to the above formula, combine 2 parts of catnip with two to four of the other antispasmodic herbs in a tincture or glycerite (20 drops every 1 - 2 hours).

Immune-stimulating herbs:

• Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
• Usnea lichen (Usnea spp.)
• Garlic (Allium sativum)
• Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)

Expectorants:

• Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
• Anise (Pimpinella anisum)
• Elecampane (Inula helenium)
• Mullein (Verbascum densiflorum)

Antispasmodics:

• Indian tobacco (Lobelia inflata) (not more than ¹/4 of combination)
• Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
• Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
• Jamaican dogwood (Piscidia erythrina)
• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Homeopathy

Although very few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic therapies, professional homeopaths may consider the following remedies as supplemental treatment for the symptoms of pertussis as long as the underlying infection has been appropriately treated. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type -- your physical, emotional, and psychological makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate treatment for each individual.

• Aconite -- Take during the first 24 hours after symptoms appear, particularly if they develop following exposure to cold weather. This remedy is most appropriate for individuals with a hoarse, dry, cough who complain of dry mouth, thirst, restlessness, worsened symptoms from cold air or lying on the side, and being awakened from the cough.

• Bryonia -- for painful cough with a marked tendency to hold their chest or hold something to the chest when coughing.

• Drosera -- for dry, spasmodic cough with sharp chest pain and a tickling sensation in the throat that may cause the individual to gag, choke, or vomit. This remedy is most appropriate for individuals who tend to be hoarse, become worse when lying down, and perspire during the night.

• Hepar sulphuricum -- for later stages of pertussis with wheezing, little mucus production, and coughing that comes on when any part of the body gets cold.
• Ipecacuanha -- spasmodic cough and gagging or vomiting. This remedy is commonly prescribed for infants.
• Phosphorus -- for several different types of cough, most particularly a dry, harsh cough described as a persistent tickle with sharp chest pain signified by the individual clutching his or her painful chest. This remedy is most appropriate for individuals who are often worn out and exhausted, have undue anxiety, even fear of death, and require a lot of reassurance.
• Spongia -- for harsh, barking cough that produces no mucus and is associated with a tickling in the throat or chest that worsens when lying down and improves when the individual eats or drinks warm liquids. This remedy is often used when Aconite is unsuccessful.

Physical Medicine

Chest rubs -- Use 3 - 6 drops of essential oil (camphor, thyme, eucalyptus, rosemary) with 1 Tbs. food-grade oil (almond, flax, or olive). Avoid getting essential oils in the eyes. Make sure the mixture is not too strong, as it could irritate the respiratory tract. Do not give essential oils by mouth (internally).

Castor oil pack -- Apply oil to clean soft cloth, place on chest, and cover with plastic wrap. Place a heat source over the pack, and let sit for 30 - 60 minutes. Do not use for more than four days in a row. Do not give castor oil by mouth (internally).

Place 3 - 6 drops of essential oil in a humidifier or a warm bath.

Alternate hot and cold applications to the chest or back. Alternate 3 minutes hot with 1 minute cold.

Acupuncture

Although acupuncture has not been studied for whooping cough, some people may use acupuncture to help strengthen the immune system.

Massage

Foot massage can be relaxing and may help a child sleep. Some children may not want to be touched, however.

Most adults and children make a complete recovery.

Vaccinations are 80 - 90% effective. They last about 12 years.

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