Whooping Cough- Symptoms, Causes and Home remedies

2022-03-17 11:08:11

What is Whooping cough? 

Stages of Whooping cough

First stage-

The first stage of pertussis is similar to that of the common cold. This phase lasts for one to two weeks. This stage is also called catarrhal. During this, there is a constant sneezing, runny nose, and low-grade fever and sometimes accompanied by cough.

Second stage-

The second stage is called paroxysmal. During this the cough is severe. Also, there is a loud noise while coughing. Apart from this, vomiting and tiredness are felt in the person's body.

Third stage-

The third stage of whooping cough is severe. This stage lasts for 2 to 3 weeks and is known as the convalescent i.e., the recovery phase. During this, the disease is treated under the supervision of a doctor and with the help of antibiotics.

Causes of Whooping cough

Whooping cough is a contagious bacterial infection which is caused by bacteria called Bordetella pertussis which affects the respiratory system. This damages the cilia (the upper part of the respiratory system) and causes swelling in the nasal canal. It spreads through contact with an infected person because when an infected person coughs or sneezes, these bacteria are spread in the air. During this, if a healthy person comes in contact with these droplets, then the bacteria settle in the person's lungs and spread the infection. Thus, it spreads very rapidly from one person to another.

Symptoms of Whooping cough

The symptoms of pertussis are not visible immediately, it takes about 1 to 2 weeks for it to be visible but in most cases, the symptoms of whooping cough are similar to those of cold and flu. Apart from this, there are some other symptoms as well, these are-

• Mild fever.
• Runny mucus.
• Mild sore throat.
• Difficulty in breathing
• Whoop sound in breathing.
• Body turning blue.
• Vomiting during or after coughing.
• Mild difficulty in swallowing.
• Apnea- Interruption of breathing in new-borns and young children.
• Persistent dry throat.
• Pain in jaw and neck.
• Common symptoms of cold like runny nose, redness of eyes and nasal congestion due to sinus etc.

Take these precautions in case of Whooping cough

• Get maximum rest.
• Don't smoke at all.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Do not consume ice cream, curd, or ice water at all.
• Avoid going into an infected and polluted environment.
• Always wear a mask if a person is infected with it. By doing this, other members of the house will be protected from this infection.
• After coughing, there is no problem with vomiting, so take light food.
• Avoid the consumption of oily and fatty food.
• Wash hands thoroughly before eating to avoid any kind of infection.
• Wash hands thoroughly after sneezing and coughing or after coming from the toilet.

Home remedies to reduce Whooping cough

Garlic is beneficial-

Garlic has antibacterial properties which help in reducing whooping cough. In addition, garlic has antimicrobial properties that activate the immune system and protect against infection. For this, sucking 2 to 3 cloves of garlic between your teeth is beneficial.

Ginger-

Antibacterial properties are found in ginger which works to fight the bacteria of whooping cough. Therefore, using ginger in any form is beneficial for bacterial infections.

Basil is beneficial for whooping cough-

Tulsi is used as a home remedy for cough, cold, diarrhoea or other viral and bacterial infections. Tulsi has antioxidant properties which work to protect the body from the problems caused by the changing seasons. Tulsi also enhances immunity. For this, put one teaspoon of clove powder, black pepper and ten to fifteen fresh basil leaves in about one litre of water and boil it until it becomes half. Now filter its decoction and drink it like tea, it provides relief in whooping cough. Apart from this, taking steam by boiling basil in water is also beneficial in case of cold.

Turmeric and dry ginger-

Sonth means dry ginger which has antibacterial properties which kill the bacteria that cause infection in the body. For this, mix one teaspoon of black pepper powder, one teaspoon turmeric, one teaspoon dry ginger powder and a little sugar. Now put it in a cup of water, heat it and drink it after cooling it. It gives relief to pertussis.

Lemon and honey-

According to Ayurveda, both lemon and honey have immunity-boosting properties, that is why the use of lemon and honey is recommended in case of whooping cough. This mixture detoxifies the body and also increases immunity. For this, take a glass of lukewarm water mixed with lemon juice and honey.

Ajwain-

Consuming Ajwain water is known as a home remedy for whooping cough. Research related to this shows that ajwain works to provide relief from common phlegm to whooping cough. Antibacterial properties are found in celery which works to fight the bacteria of whooping cough. Also, putting ajwain oil in hot water and taking its steam provides quick relief.

Coriander tea-

Coriander seeds boost the body's immune system to fight bacteria. For this, make tea by adding a tablespoon of coriander powder, a little milk and sugar in a glass of water and give it to the patient twice a day. In this way, coriander tea works as a very effective medicine in whooping cough or other types of bacterial infections.

Onion-

In traditional medicine, onions have been used for asthma, bronchitis as well as whooping cough because onions have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant properties that destroy bacteria. For this, the roasted onion should be consumed with honey or by mixing one spoon of honey in onion juice.