Whooping Cough

Whooping cough is a bacterial infection of the respiratory system that usually affects children of 1-5 years. Being extremely contagious, the disease spreads quickly, often reaching epidemic levels. It can be fatal to small babies. Whooping cough can be successfully prevented by immunization in infancy in the form of 'Triple vaccine' DPT - diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough.

Causes

• Infection occurs from air borne bacteria called Bordetla pertussis, after close contact with the sufferer. The bacteria invade the nasal passage, respiratory tract and lungs, which produce a thick, sticky mucous discharge in an effort to combat the invasion.

Signs & Symptoms

The child first exhibits the signs of common cold. A cough develops with the characteristic 'whoop' sound as the lungs become congested. This can last from 2 to 10 weeks after exposure. Coughing episodes can occur up to 30 to 40 times a day which are violent and often lead to momentary loss of breath and vomiting. Babies who cannot cough up this mucous, are most at risk.

Herbal Medicines

1. Tulsi leaves' juice (5ml) well mixed in 10 ml of pure honey should be given to the babies 3 to 4 times a day.
2. Garlic juice 3 to 4 times well mixed in 5 ml of pure honey can also be given thrice a day. These measures give instant relief.

Ayurvedic Remedies

1. Talisadi Churna 5gms + Kapardika bhasma 1gm should be given twice a day for 15 days.
2. Septilin (Himalaya Drugs) syrup 1 teaspoonful thrice daily for 2 weeks.
3. Koflet (Himalaya Drugs) syrup 1 teaspoonful thrice daily.
4. Herbodil (Himalaya Drugs) syrup 1 teaspoonful thrice daily mixed with 4 to 5 spoons of warm water.