Whooping cough is an acute illness caused by a bacterial infection. It occurs most often in preschool children and is characterized by the symptoms of the common cold, which lead to a severe, spasmodic cough. The bacteria irritates the airways, which become swollen making breathing difficult. There will be a build-up of mucus that is difficult to shift, and there may also be vomiting — particularly while coughing. The “whoop” sound of the cough is unmistakable, and the feeling of being unable to draw breath may cause panic. The incubation period is between seven to ten days, and the condition may last for as long as two months, if left untreated.

Herbalism

• Coltsfoot can be used to loosen the cough and help to expel the mucus.
• Wild cherry bark has a profound effect on the cough reflex.
• A few drops of tincture of thyme should be taken to loosen and expel the mucus. Thyme also works as an antiseptic.
• Massage comfrey ointment into the chest and back to relax the lungs.
• Elecampane is commonly used for children’s coughs, and can be purchased in easy-to-use syrup form.

Homeopathy

• Aconite can be taken during an attack, or at the beginning of the illness.
• Drosera is useful when the cough is made worse by lying down, and there are pains below the ribs.
• Use Bryonia when there is a dry, painful cough and vomiting.
• Use Antimonium tart, when there is a rattling cough with gasping.
• Use Sanguinaria for a harsh, dry cough, to Arnica is useful when there is bleeding, or the child is distressed before she coughs.
• Pertussin may be given in one dose toward the end of the disease to prevent an “echo” effect.

Flower essences

• Rescue Remedy is excellent for calming a child who has difficulty drawing breath, and who is frightened by the condition. A few drops on pulse points, or sipped in a glass of cool water, will help.
• Cherry Plum will help if there is serious spasmodic coughing, to Mimulus and Olive are good in the later stages of the condition.

Aromatherapy

• Mix a few drops of lavender and chamomile oils in a light carrier oil and massage into the chest and back area to calm and to relax tensed muscles.
• Tea tree, lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus can be used in a vaporizer to help open up the lungs and reduce spasm.
• A few drops of oil of thyme, in the bath, will soothe and reduce the severity of the cough.

From the  larder

• Honey and licorice can be diluted with a little hot water and drunk to relieve the cough.
• A garlic poultice, placed on the chest and back area, is recommended to help expel the phlegm.
• offer plenty of foods rich in vitamin C to help the body fight what can be a very long and debilitating illness.
• Fresh fruit and vegetable juices should be diluted and drunk for the first few days, but try to avoid citrus juices, which may induce vomiting, to Avoid mucus-producing foods, such as dairy produce.

Self-help

• Plenty of bed rest and comfort are essential to a speedy recovery.
• Try to keep the air clean from smoke, dust, and chemicals, and raise the bed slightly at one end to make breathing easier.

A gentle massage of comfrey ointment on the chest and back can help soothe spasmodic coughing.

CAUTION
There is a risk of secondary infection, in particular pneumonia and bronchitis. All cases of whooping cough should be seen by a physician. If the cough is accompanied by vomiting, make sure there is adequate intake of fluid to prevent dehydration.
Call your physician immediately if your child becomes blue around the lips.