The persistently uncontrollable coughing may often lead to breathing issues, pain, and discomfort. While prescribed medicines can ultimately help resolve it over time, the home remedies mentioned below can also prove effective. Read on to know more about whooping cough treatment and management at home.
What Is Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough, scientifically known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It typically begins with symptoms resembling a common cold but progresses to severe and prolonged coughing fits. These are characterized by a distinctive “whooping” sound when the person tries to inhale, which gives the disease its name. Gwen Brown, a blogger, recounts a scary episode where whooping cough has affected her family. On the second day, the baby’s cough took a grave turn. She writes, “The really scary thing is, my babe was the last of the four kids to get the ‘bad cough.’ Up to that point, we really had only thought of it as a cold with a bad, lingering cough (i).” With further research into the observed symptoms, she came to the realization, “We had lived with it for a couple of months, unaware.” Whooping cough is especially concerning for infants, as it can be life-threatening for them. It spreads easily through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes, making vaccination crucial for prevention. Vaccines like DTaP and Tdap are effective in controlling its transmission. In older children and adults, whooping cough can lead to complications such as broken ribs and pneumonia. Early diagnosis, antibiotics, and isolation are important in managing this infectious disease. Whooping cough may cause serious complications, such as pneumonia, seizures, and even death, if left untreated, especially in infants. These risks emphasize how important it is to get medical help as soon as you notice any symptoms. Home remedies may help ease the pain and discomfort of whooping cough to a certain extent. Know more about them in the section below.
How To Treat Whooping Cough Naturally
1. Essential Oils
a. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil has antibacterial, antiseptic, and antispasmodic effects (2), (3). This may prove beneficial in the treatment of whooping cough and its symptoms.
1-2 drops of peppermint oil 1 tablespoon of any carrier oil like coconut or olive oil
Do this 1-2 times a day.
b. Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil has traditionally been used to treat disorders of the respiratory tract, like bronchitisi An inflammation that affects the airflow through the respiratory tract due to discolored mucus buildup from a cold or other respiratory infections. , pharyngitisi Also known as sore throat, it is caused due to the inflammation of the pharynx (the throat) leading to pain, irritation, and a burning sensation, often a result of a cold or the flu. , and sinusitisi An inflammation that affects the nasal cavity with leading to swelling with mucus as a result of a cold or any type of allergy. (4). Hence, it may help in relieving the symptoms of whooping cough.
1-2 drops of eucalyptus oil 1 tablespoon of any carrier oil like coconut or olive oil
Do this 2 times a day.
2. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the best ways to treat whooping cough (5), (6). Babies up to 6 months of age receive the required amounts of vitamin C through breast milk. For children older than 6 months, vitamin C intake may be increased through their diet. Adults require around 70 to 90 mg of vitamin C on a daily basis, while infants require about 40 mg of the same. Although you can opt for vitamin C supplements, it is a better option to increase its intake naturally via your diet.
3. Onion
Onions exhibit antibacterial activities (7). This may help in treating whooping cough and also improve overall immunity.
1 medium-sized onion 1/4 cup of honey
Do this multiple times a day.
4. Garlic
Garlic contains a compound called allicin that exhibits antibacterial activities (8). These properties of garlic may be used to combat the bacteria that cause whooping cough (9). Thus, it is one of the best herbal remedies for this respiratory infection.
3-4 cloves of garlic Honey (optional)
Do this 2-3 times a day.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin that has antimicrobial properties (10). Turmeric can help treat whooping cough and shortness of breath (11).
1 teaspoon of turmeric 1 glass of hot milk
Do this 2 times a day.
6. Ginger
Ginger is a natural expectorant and contains a compound called gingerol. The gingerol possesses strong antibacterial properties (12). These properties of ginger may help in combating whooping cough.
1-2 inches of ginger Honey (optional)
Do this 2 times a day.
7. Elderberry Syrup
Elderberry syrup possesses antibacterial properties and chemical compounds that boost immunity (13), (14). It is one of the best immune boosters that may help in treating whooping cough and cold.
1 teaspoon of elderberry syrup 1 cup of any fruit juice or warm water
Do this 3 times a day for a week.
8. Green Tea
Green tea contains catechins and polyphenols that possess strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties (15), (16). These may help in killing the bacteria that cause whooping cough.
1 teaspoon of green tea leaves 1 cup of hot water Honey (optional)
Do this 2-3 times a day.
9. Salt Water
Several studies have found that using salt water is beneficial for cold and cough (17). Hence it may help in treating whooping cough.
1-2 teaspoons of salt 1 cup of hot water
Do this once a day.
10. Humidifier
Keeping the environment relatively moist reduces the intensity and severity of cough (18). Installing a humidifier in the room of the infected individual may help in treating whooping cough. Additionally, adding essential oils to the humidifier may be beneficial.
11. Oregano
Oregano is a natural expectorant that has antibacterial properties (19). This may help in treating whooping cough.
4-5 drops of oregano oil 1 tablespoon of any carrier oil like coconut oil
Do this 1-2 times a day.
12. Honey
Studies have found honey to be helpful in treating cough in children (20). Hence, it may also help in treating the symptoms of whooping cough.
1 tablespoon of organic honey 1 cup of warm water
Do this 2-3 times a day.
13. Lemon
Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C and possesses antibacterial properties (21). These properties may be effective in treating whooping cough. Consuming honey and lemon for cough may provide instant relief and soothe your irritated throat.
1/2 lemon 1 glass of water Honey (optional)
Do this 2-3 times a day.
14. Licorice
Licorice contains glycyrrhizic acid (22). This compound exhibits immune boosting activities. It also works as a demulcent and helps in accelerating the healing of tissues damaged by persistent coughing (23). This may help in treating whooping cough.
1 teaspoon of licorice root 1 cup of water Honey (optional)
Do this 2-3 times a day.
15. Almonds
The polyphenols present in the skins of almonds exhibit antibacterial properties (24). This may help in fighting the bacteria that cause whooping cough.
6-7 almonds 1/2 teaspoon of butter
Do this 2-3 times a day.
16. Chamomile
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antiphlogistic (ability to reduce inflammation) properties (25). This may help in relieving fever and inflammation associated with whooping cough.
1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile 1 cup of water Honey (optional)
Do this 2-3 times a day.
17. Saffron
Saffron acts as an expectorant and is also an antibacterial (26). This may help in treating whooping cough.
6 saffron strands 1 cup of warm water Honey (optional)
Drink this 2 times a day. You can also add thyme extract or essential oil to the above remedies. It is often used to soothe respiratory issues like bronchitis, whooping cough, and sore throat (27). While whooping cough symptoms can be managed with natural remedies, it is also important to explore conventional treatments to aid faster recovery. Learn more about this in the next section.
Conventional Treatments For Whooping Cough
Apart from home remedies, conventional therapies, such as antibiotics, are necessary to effectively fight the Bordetella pertussis infection. Consult a medical practitioner for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. This is especially required for those with other medical issues. In addition to the conventional treatments, you may also follow the tips mentioned below to prevent the recurrence of the infection.
Preventive Tips
Prevention of whooping cough is possible if you:
Maintain basic hygiene by washing hands before eating and covering the mouth and nose while sneezing. Practice yoga and exercises to strengthen the lungs and improve breathing. Practice breathing exercises to improve the functioning of the lungs. Follow a proper diet that includes all the important minerals and vitamins needed for the body to recover soon. Try to stay as dry and warm as possible to avoid further health complications. Take ample amounts of rest to enable the body to recover faster. Stay away from allergens, such as dust and pollen, that can worsen the condition. Take appropriate zinc supplements and include probiotics in your diet. They may help relieve respiratory problems (28), (29). Avoid processed foods. Consume fresh fruits, milk, eggs, and ginger tea. Maintain optimal hydration levels by drinking enough water and fruit juices. This can ease the dryness in the throat.
These preventive tips may help in increasing the efficiency of the treatments against whooping cough, and this, in turn, may accelerate recovery. Once you have recovered, take precautions to avoid chances of reinfection. In case you are afflicted with whooping cough, the following tips may help you:
Steam inhalation may help expel excess mucus and clear the airways. Take cough suppressants and OTC cough medicines to soothe your cough. Consult your doctor for the appropriate medical treatment and follow the prescribed course of antibiotics.
If left untreated, whooping cough may cause drastic side effects in the long run.
Long-Term Effects Of Whooping Cough
Most adults and teens may recover from whooping cough without much complication. But the scenario is quite different in the case of infants under 6 months, and the complications are much severe. The long-term side effects of whooping cough in infants are as follows:
Pneumonia Decreased breathing ability Weight loss and dehydration Damage to the brain Seizures
It is a dangerous disease for children due to their inability to manage its symptoms. It is essential for people, especially newborns and young children, to schedule follow-up visits with healthcare providers after recovering. This ensures that any remaining symptoms are properly treated and that overall health is tracked, avoiding long-term issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The incidence of whooping cough was 72.3 infants per 100,000 (less than 6 months), 32.7 infants per 100,000 (6 months to 12 months), and 1.4 persons in adults (more than 20 years) in 2018.
Causes Of Whooping Cough
Whooping cough is caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. These contagious bacteria are the sole cause of this infection in both adults and infants (31). When the cough droplets dispersed by an infected individual are inhaled by an uninfected individual or child, it leads to whooping cough in the latter as well. The onset of the infection is accompanied by a series of symptoms that may vary in their severity.
Signs And Symptoms Of Whooping Cough
The symptoms of whooping cough are almost similar in both adults and babies, with only slight variations.
In Adults
Violent and rapid coughing, sometimes followed by puking Fever Intermittent sneezing Nasal discharge Watery eyes
In Infants
Runny nose Low fever Mild cough and sneezing Infants under the age of one may turn blue when breathing becomes difficult. Vomiting
The symptoms are often mild in the beginning but turn severe with time. This bacterial infection may have dangerous consequences if not treated immediately. What is the difference between a cough and whooping cough? Coughing is usually a reflex action to any foreign substance or mucus in the throat that only lasts for some time. But whooping cough is characterized by continuous bouts of coughing until the lungs are emptied, and this is usually followed by a ‘whooping’ sound when an individual tries to inhale. What are the pros and cons of taking a whooping cough vaccine during pregnancy? Pregnant women need to take the whooping cough vaccine during the third trimester of their pregnancy. This is to ensure the protection of their baby against whooping cough in the first few critical months after birth. However, in some rare cases, infant deaths from whooping cough have been reported in spite of vaccinating their mothers. What are the three stages of whooping cough? The course of whooping cough is usually classified into three stages:
The first stage is the catarrhal or runny nose stage. This stage lasts for almost two weeks and is often accompanied by occasional coughs, sneezing, and nasal congestion. The second stage is the paroxysmal stage. This stage varies in its duration and could last anywhere from 1 to 10 weeks. The paroxysmal stage is often characterized by continuous and intense bouts of coughing. This stage could prove fatal for newborns as the drawn-out coughing sessions could leave them breathless. The third and final stage is the convalescent stage that can last from weeks to months. It is during this stage that the chronic coughing sessions become less paroxysmal, and the affected individual starts to recover.
Is whooping cough worse at night? Yes, whooping cough is often worse at night. The lengthy coughing fits can disturb your sleep and leave you feeling tired. How do you test for whooping cough? The doctor will perform a nasal or throat culture to check for the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. The germs can be detected with a quick swab of the region where your nose and throat connect. Learn how to treat whooping cough naturally with Ayurvedic remedies. Discover simple and effective ways to reduce symptoms and get relief by watching the video below.
