Whooping Cough
Whooping
cough is an acute bacterial disease that is characterized
by a spasmodic cough that ends in a specific long, high-pitched
sound and a whooping sound made during inhalation. It
is highly contagious.
Symptoms
Symptoms
may take one to three weeks to appear following infection,
and can affect the entire respiratory tract, lasting
for an additional six weeks to three months. Symptoms
include catarrh (mucus), fatigue, sneezing, fitful coughing,
tearing of the eyes, and poor appetite. As symptoms
progress, spasmodic coughing consisting of rapid coughs,
followed by a "characteristic whooping" sound produced
on the last several inhalations start to occur, producing
large amounts of mucus. Gagging and vomiting can also
occur.
Cause
Whooping
cough is caused by bacterial infection. It can also
be aggravated by bronchitis, pneumonia, flu, smoking,
and inhalant allergies.
Self-Care
Tips
Aromatherapy
Steam inhalation with tea tree, basil, chamomile,
camphor, eucalyptus, peppermint, rose, lavender, thyme
can help relieve symptoms and speed healing.
Diet
Drink plenty of healthy liquids. Especially
good is a combination of one to two tablespoons honey,
one tablespoon apple cider vinegar, one tablespoon fresh
lemon juice, one teaspoon each of horehound and licorice
extracts, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and vitamin C
powder, added to warm, pure, filtered water. Sip throughout
the day. Avoid all dairy products, milk, refined and
processed foods, sugar, soda, and alcohol. Eat lightly,
and focus on an organic, whole foods diet, with plenty
of fresh fruits and vegetables, brown rice, clear vegetable
soups, potatoes, and whole grain toast. Garlic and onions
are also recommended.
Flower
Essences
Crab Apple and Olive are helpful to deal with
accompanying stress and exhaustion.
Herbs
Useful herbs include sundew, thyme, butterbur,
and wild cherry bark taken as infusions or tinctures
several times a day.
Homeopathy
Drosera, Pertussinum, Cuprum met., and
Mag phos. can help relieve symptoms and speed
healing.
Hydrotherapy
Apply a hot compress to the chest once or
twice a day.
Juice
Therapy
All fresh-squeezed, organic vegetable juices
are helpful. For additional benefit, add a clove of
squeezed garlic.
Nutritional
Supplementation
Recommended nutrients include vitamin A, beta carotene,
vitamin B complex, vitamin C, zinc, acidophilus, garlic
capsules, and lung glandulars.
Caution
If your symptoms persist despite the above measures,
seek the help of a qualified health professional.
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