Although pertussis is largely a pediatric disease, adolescents and adults can also contract it; 38% of cases occur in babies younger than six months while 71% of cases are seen in children younger than five years. Wabak pertussis can spread rapidly and infect many causing an outbreak.
The blog discusses Wabak Pertussis: How to cure whooping cough naturally? It also covers symptoms, risk factors, and treatment strategies for whooping cough.
What is whooping cough?
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a respiratory infection caused by a bacterium - Bordetella pertussis. Pertussis spreads via droplets produced by coughing or sneezing.
The initial symptoms resemble those of a common cold including mild fever, runny nose, and cough, which then develops into a hacking, violent cough followed by whooping.
Whooping refers to the sound that follows during prolonged intake of breath after coughing.
What are the stages of whooping cough
Stage 1 (lasts for 1 to 2 weeks)
- Symptoms include runny or stuffy nose, fever (less than 100.4°F), mild and occasional cough
- There are higher chances of infection spreading in this stage.
Stage 2 (lasts for 1 to 6 weeks, may extend up to 10 weeks)
Symptoms include
- Rapid, violent coughing bouts
- Whooping cough sound: High-pitched “whoop” sound after breathing in at the end of a coughing fit
- Vomiting during or after coughing bouts
- Fatigue followed by bouts
- Breathing difficulty
Stage 3 (lasts for 2 to 3 weeks)
- Recovery is slow
- Coughing fits become less common and severe
- Coughing can be triggered by another upper respiratory infection or irritant.
What are the symptoms of whooping cough?
Symptoms in infants
Infants may struggle to breathe and as a result, may turn blue. They might not cough at all and may show common cold symptoms for the entire illness, not just in the early stages.
Symptoms in adults
Pertussis in adults and teens generally causes milder symptoms than in infants, especially in those vaccinated against whooping cough. Unvaccinated teens and adults may experience prolonged coughing fits that keep them up at night
What are the complications of whooping cough?
Complications in infants
About one-third of babies under one year old with whooping cough need care in the hospital.
68% of those hospital-treated babies under one year old will have apnea (life-threatening difficulties in breathing). 22% of them may catch lung infections. Infection increases the risk of convulsions, encephalopathy, and death.
Complications in adults
The complications in adolescents and adults are relatively less severe especially if they are vaccinated. They may suffer from complications like pneumonia.
A severe, violent cough, in teens and adults, increases the risk of rib fracture, passing out, loss of bladder control, or even weight loss. The infection increases the risk of pneumonia.
What are the causes and risk factors of whooping cough?
Cause of whooping cough
Once inside the body, the bacteria causing pertussis attaches to the tiny, hair-like extensions (called cilia) that line the inner side of the upper respiratory tract. There, it releases the toxins which damage the cilia and cause the airways to swell.
Risk factors in infants
- Longer hospital stays
- Fever
- Abnormal liver function
Risk factors in adults
- Pregnancy
- Epidemic exposure
- Lack of immunization
- Close contact with an infected individual
Treatments for whooping cough
Pay a visit to the healthcare provider in case any of the symptoms listed above are present, even the mild ones. Early medical treatment is a key to a less serious infection.
Pertussis treatment includes oxygen support, suctioning the mucus out, preventing dehydration, and avoidance of respiratory irritants that trigger coughing. Patients who develop pneumonia, nervous system complications, or who are unable to take the nutrients in by mouth are usually hospitalized.
Medical treatment
Treatment of whooping cough usually involves antibiotics. Faster initiation of treatment before the violent coughing fits start is a must to prevent the infection's spreading to others and to accelerate its progress to a severe stage.
Refrain from using cough medicine unless it is recommended by the healthcare provider.
Home remedies to cure whooping cough
Whooping cough treatment at home can also involve natural remedies like the following
Eucalyptus oil
Offers symptomatic relief of cold, cough excessive mucus buildup, and inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. 12 drops of oil per 150 ml (about 5.07 oz) of boiling water can be used for inhalation and may be repeated up to three times daily.
Peppermint oil
A home remedy for whooping cough in adults that can ease the symptoms.
3–4 drops of oil added to hot water can be inhaled for symptomatic relief of coughs and colds.
Humidifier
A mist humidifier can help loosen mucus and soothe the cough.
Licorice
Licorice gargling or licorice tea can relieve the cough and help clear the mucus from the airways.
Green tea
Green tea shows antibacterial activity and can protect against pertussis infection.
Oregano and lemon
Antibacterial activities of oregano oil and lemon oil can help fight the pertussis infection
Onion
The World Health Organization recommends onion extract for common colds and coughs.
Honey
Taking honey for up to three days effectively reduces cough severity, cough frequency, and bothersome cough.
Ginger
Ginger has a beneficial effect on cough and respiratory infections. It soothes the irritated airway.
Almond
Almond oil can help improve the immune system.
Turmeric
Turmeric powder can be effective in relieving a runny nose and cough.
Ginger
Ginger is believed to function as an expectorant in cases of whooping cough, aiding in the clearance of mucus from the airways
Saltwater gargling
Gargling with warm salt water may provide relief from sore throat symptoms.
What are the treatment options for whooping cough used in other countries?
A high pertussis burden persists in infants under six months of age, especially in unvaccinated and under-vaccinated in Malaysia.
Commonly used pertussis antibiotics in Malaysia include erythromycin, clarithromycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for treating pertussis.
How to prevent whooping cough?
As they say, prevention is better than cure. The best way to prevent whooping cough is vaccination. The whooping cough vaccine is highly recommended in unimmunized adults. Vaccination of pregnant women is effective in preventing pertussis in infants who are too young to be vaccinated.
The three-dose series diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP)-containing vaccine is recommended in infancy. The World Health Organization recommends the first dose at six weeks of age, subsequent doses at age 10-14 weeks and 14-18 weeks, and a booster dose during the second year of life.
Doctors may prescribe preventive antibiotics preemptively in individuals at high risk of developing the infection. This is especially needed if there is a baby or pregnant woman in the household or if contact with a baby or pregnant woman is expected.
Conclusion
Wabak pertussis can lead to serious complications in adults and infants. However, it is a preventable disease. It is important to get vaccinated to protect the society from its outbreak. Apart from the regular vaccine doses, personal hygiene also plays a role in keeping infections away. Vaccination, and practicing hygiene are the most effective ways to prevent the spread of wabak pertussis.
Understanding what is Wabak pertussis - How to cure whooping cough naturally is helpful along with seeking medical advice, sticking to an antibiotic treatment plan can accelerate the recovery.
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