Whooping Cough Causes

Whooping cough is a serious and very contagious bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system. Unlike most common respiratory infections that last for only a couple of days, this infection could last for well over a month. Children and babies that are affected with whooping cough tend to make a high pitched whooping sound after they cough.

Whooping cough symptoms are easy to miss when the patient is still in the early stages of this condition. The first symptoms of whooping cough include coughing and a runny nose. The cough does not disappear even with medication and after a week or two the patient starts to have prolonged bouts of coughing. These coughing fits can cause the patient to struggle while breathing as the wracking cough could occur and last continuously for a few minutes. This stage of whooping cough can leave the patient tired and fatigued the condition could last for up to two months. A person with whooping cough may also suffer from frequent vomiting that is brought on by coughing spasms. This can be particularly damaging as the patient requires regular nutrition to help his/her body fight off the infection. Whooping cough side effects include pneumonia, seizures, and earaches and this infection can be particularly dangerous to infants and babies.

Whooping cough vaccination has been a subject of much controversy due to the side effects linked to it. However, most of these whooping cough side effects were observed in children and infants that were given the vaccine. The newer vaccine however, has been recommended for adults and teenagers. Whooping cough treatment generally involves antibiotics that help to reduce the severity of the infection if it is given in the early stages of whooping cough. It is therefore, very important to receive timely treatment for whooping cough. Antibiotic medications also help to reduce the infectious stage of this condition which means that it reduces the likelihood of passing on this condition to family members and friends. Since this condition is very infectious, doctors often recommend an antibiotic course for family members and all those in close contact with the patient.

There are several natural cure for cough that can be used to reduce the severity of the whopping cough. However, these remedies must be used alongside antibiotic medication as they will help to boost the body’s natural defenses. Hot homemade broths with steamed chicken and garlic will help to boost the immune system. A tonic of ginger and honey will also help to reduce inflammation and throat irritation.