If you are suffering from persistent cough during regular breathing, then there are high chances that you may be suffering from whooping cough. Pertussis or whooping cough is a contagious disease that affects our respiratory system. The patient may have trouble breathing along with coughing spells. It is essential to get the proper whooping cough treatment at home, or it may turn out to be life-threatening. If home treatment does not suffice, you might need to consult a doctor for medical assistance.
The list below highlights the proven remedies for curing pertussis naturally. Read on:
1. Massage with eucalyptus oil
It is one of the best remedies to treat respiratory tract disorders, including sinusitis, bronchitis, and pharyngitis. If you have whooping cough symptoms and wondering how to prevent whooping cough naturally, then you should give it a try. Mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil with olive or coconut oil and apply it to your back and chest. Alternatively, add 3 to 4 drops of the oil blend in steaming hot water. Now you need to inhale the vapors at least three times a day.
2. Take honey before going to bed
Intake of Honey is the next best thing you can go to get rid of whooping cough. To practice this pertussis treatment at home, all you need to do is eat two teaspoons of raw honey just half an hour before going to bed. It will help in reducing cough. It is an ideal treatment for both adults and children.
3. Intake of Vitamin C
Next on the list of best pertussis natural remedies is Vitamin C intake. Adults need around a daily intake of 60 – 80 mg of vitamin C to get rid of whooping cough. However, the daily information of Vitamin C for infants is 40 mg for curing the illness. Whooping cough treatment at home can prove pretty effective if you meet the daily limit through natural resources.
4. Add garlic to your diet
Garlic includes allicin – a compound exhibiting antibacterial properties. Hence, garlic can be ideally used for combating whooping cough-causing bacteria. Take 2-3 garlic cloves and mix them with raw Honey. Consume this mix 2 to 4 times daily for effective results.
5. Use a humidifier to clear the respiratory tract.
Humidifiers help avoid drying out of the throat, usually when the patient suffers from whooping cough. If you are looking for affordable yet highly effective pertussis treatment at home, give it a try. It eliminates the possibilities of inflammation and irritation in the throat and clears the respiratory tract for easy breathing.
6. Drink turmeric milk
Turmeric includes curcumin compound, which has antimicrobial power for treating whooping cough issues and related problems. Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder in a cup of hot milk. Consume this mix daily before going to bed.
7. Gargling with saltwater
Saltwater is highly advantageous for cough and cold. It is a great pertussis natural remedy that you can count on, indeed. Add one tablespoon of pink salt or table salt into a glass of hot water. Gargle at least once daily with this mix.
8. Consume licorice tea
Licorice includes glycyrrhizic acid, which is an immunity-boosting compound. If you have been wondering how to prevent whooping cough naturally, then you have licorice root working for you. It accelerates tissue healing damaged due to whooping cough. Take an adequate quantity of licorice root and steep in 50 ml of hot water. Strain it after 5 minutes and consume it warm. You may add Honey to it to enhance the taste. Consume this mix at least 3 to 4 times daily.
9. Drink chamomile tea
Chamomile comes with antiphlogistic and anti-inflammatory properties. It can reduce throat inflammation. Also, Chamomile is used for curing pertussis naturally of traditional times. It helps provide relief from rash and fever, which could be caused due to whooping cough.
To prepare chamomile tea, add one teaspoon of chamomile fresh or dried into a cup of hot water. Let it steep in for 5 minutes, and then strain the mixture. Add Honey if needed and consume it warm. Consume it twice daily.
Preventive Measures
Besides the above home remedies, there are specific preventative measures that should be followed by the patients to treat whooping cough and to prevent its spread. Wash your hands thoroughly using a disinfectant soap before consuming food. Cover your nose and mouth to prevent the spread of the disease.
Exercise and perform yoga to strengthen your lungs. It also improves lung functioning. Ensure a rich diet including essential vitamins and minerals for a speedy recovery of the body. Stop consumption of processed foods. Stay warm and dry as much as possible. It will eliminate the possibility of complications.
FAQs
1) Is pertussis a bacteria or virus?
Pertussis is a bacterium. Its scientific name is Bordetella pertussis. It causes a respiratory problem which is popularly known as wet cough or whooping cough.
2) What are the three stages of pertussis?
The three stages of pertussis are convalescent, catarrhal, and paroxysmal. The catarrhal stage and convalescent are mild stages. They generally don’t show severe symptoms.
3) What is the best treatment for whooping cough?
Patients suffering from whooping cough need adequate sleep and rest. It is best to arrange a dark, cool, and quiet room for resting and relaxing. Drink soups, juice, water, and other fluids in adequate quantity. Eat regular meals in small amounts. Consult your doctor for the medications.
4) Is pertussis life-threatening?
Yes, pertussis is a severe illness, especially for young children and babies. In extreme cases, it results in death; if left untreated, a patient suffering from whooping coup may die because of pneumonia which could be caused due to the condition.
5) Is whooping cough severe?
Whooping cough may not be a matter of grave concern if appropriately treated in time. However, in severe cases, the patient may need to get hospitalized as the condition prevents the flow of oxygen to the brain cells. Six-month-old babies and infants may contract brain damage or pneumonia due to whooping cough.
6) How do you get rid of whooping cough fast?
As soon as you discover the symptoms of whooping cough, practice home remedies, seek medical immediately to get rid of it at the earliest.