Home Remedies For Whooping Cough: Procedure, Recovery, Risk & Complication

Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection and is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The disease affects the inner lining of the airways such as the trachea and bronchi and can spread quickly through the coughs and sneezes of an infected person. It affects children and infants and adults alike.

This infection is highly dangerous in babies and may need immediate medical attention. While there are many over the counter medications available, you can also try some simple home remedies to keep them at bay.

1. Ginger:

   Ginger is an excellent remedy to stop the recurrence of whooping cough. It also has antibacterial immune-boosting properties that help fight the infection and also promote quick recovery. To use it, extract a tablespoon of ginger juice and mix it with raw honey. Take this twice a day for a few days.

   Alternatively, you can also boil fenugreek seeds and add a few drops of freshly extracted ginger juice. Mix well and drink it. You can feel the relief within a few days of drinking it.

2. Turmeric:

   Turmeric too has antibacterial and antiviral properties that can help in treating whooping cough. It even has a therapeutic effect on coughs and is better if taken at night before sleep. To make this, mix a tablespoon of raw honey and ½ teaspoon of fresh turmeric powder.

   Intake it twice a day. Alternatively, you can mix it with a glass of warm milk and drink it twice a day to ease the symptoms.

3. Garlic:

   Garlic is a natural antibiotic to fight whooping cough. It has enough antibacterial and antiviral properties to make it an effective fighting agent against whooping cough. To use it, take a teaspoon of fresh garlic juice twice a day for about a week. You can even inhale the vapours.

   Boil some garlic in water and cover your head with a blanket or towel and inhale the effects for immediate relief.

4. Saltwater:

   Salt water helps in killing the bacteria that is present. It breaks down the secretions and helps to soothe whooping cough, relieving you of the pain. Mix a small teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle with that solution every three hours.

5. Proper rest:

   Proper rest helps to boost the body immune system which in result make the body immune efficient to fight against the infection.

6. Fluids:

   It is important to stay hydrated, keep drinking plenty of water. You should drink plenty of warm liquids, to soothe the throat.

7. Almond:

   Almonds contain a compound called polyphenols which helps to fight against bacteria and help in curing whooping cough. Eat 6-7 soaked almonds daily.

8. Green Tea:

   Green tea is known to possess antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It helps to fight against the bacteria causing whooping cough. Try to drink green tea at least twice a day.

9. Honey:

   Honey is soothing to the throat, which makes it perfect to treat a dry cough. You can add honey and drink this once a day until a dry cough subsides.

10. Onion:

    Onion possesses antibacterial properties which help to fight against the infection.

Summary: Whooping cough can be reduced by taking saltwater, plenty of fluids, almond, green tea, garlic, turmeric milk, ginger, honey, onion. Take proper rest.

Coughing attacks can be due to several factors. Hence, always consult a doctor to know the reason behind your attack before starting the treatment. Make sure that the ginger, turmeric, and garlic you are using are fresh and without impurities. Follow the exact procedure for best results and to get rid of whooping cough. If the Coughing becomes worse, or you face breathing problems or some other side effects, consult a doctor immediately.

Summary: Despite being effective, certain home remedies have some side effects which vary from person to person, so choose your home remedy only if you are not allergic or sensitive to the particular substance. Do not use any home remedies in excess as it may be harmful to health.

Refrain from using cold water for drinking, bathing, or washing when you are following such home remedies. Develop the habit of having warm water for long-term benefits. Apart from this, carry a towel or hanky with you at all times. Whenever you cough, use the towel to cover your mouth as the germs can easily spread to others. Avoid cold foods like ice creams or fizzy drinks.

Summary: Follow the guidelines. Avoid using cold water, Drink warm water, Cover your mouth while coughing. Avoid cold foods like ice creams or fizzy drinks.

Coughing instances do not stop abruptly and it can take some time for you to recover fully. Recovery also depends on how severe your condition is.

Though these remedies can help the symptoms to subside, it is crucial to know the root cause for further treatment if required. If you are susceptible to catching a cold easily, then practice drinking warm water throughout the year to avoid such coughs.

Whooping cough can return even after a full recovery, especially as one ages. Hence the results of these remedies are not permanent. Have checkups regularly to be safe and try to avoid both active and passive smoking as much as possible.

Avoiding cold food items and consuming lots of water and fresh fruits and vegetables can help too.

As such, no training is required as these remedies are simple but always consult a doctor before opting for such treatments. These home remedies have to be followed only from a reliable book or from a popular website. Also, make sure you are not allergic to any ingredient before beginning any remedy.