Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract. It starts with common cold symptoms and is characterized as a spasmodic, persistent, suffocative cough with gasping for breath. The classic “whooping” sound occurs after a coughing fit, when the lungs have emptied out and the person is gasping for breath. Coughing attacks are fierce and can last for months. It is especially dangerous in infants and children, and symptoms can range from mild fever to vomiting from the cough, and sometimes there may not even be a cough but a shortness of breath. Many people do not know that Homeopaths have been treating whooping cough for hundreds of years with much success. Homeopathy is a viable option for any cough, from mild to severe, and it is always helpful to consult with your doctor for a diagnosis in addition to seeing a licensed Homeopath for treatment options. Here are some common remedies used in the treatment of whooping cough.
Drosera Rotundifolia
Drosera will provide relief for many cases of whooping cough if these symptoms are present: loud, barking, frequent, spasmodic cough preventing from catching breath; Whooping cough symptoms worse in evening and night and often begin the minute the person’s head touches the pillow on lying down.
Antimonium Tartaricum
Whooping cough symptoms are worse when the patient is overly excited or angry. The cough is often rattling and productive, causing vomiting of food and mucus. The remedy is helpful for both children and the elderly especially when whooping cough symptoms are accompanied by weakness and an inability to cough up mucus trapped in the chest.
Belladonna
Effective in the early stages of whooping cough symptoms, Belladonna provides relief when the onset is sudden and accompanied by a severe headache. The child may grasp her throat during an attack, appear fearful and cling to the parent. There may be a bloody nose brought on by coughing and possible fever. A strong indication for this remedy is when the coughing attacks end in sneezing.