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Whooping Cough

Whooping cough is an acute bacterial disease that is characterized by a spasmodic cough that ends in a specific long, high-pitched sound and a whooping sound made during inhalation. It is highly contagious.

Symptoms
Symptoms may take one to three weeks to appear following infection, and can affect the entire respiratory tract, lasting for an additional six weeks to three months. Symptoms include catarrh (mucus), fatigue, sneezing, fitful coughing, tearing of the eyes, and poor appetite. As symptoms progress, spasmodic coughing consisting of rapid coughs, followed by a "characteristic whooping" sound produced on the last several inhalations start to occur, producing large amounts of mucus. Gagging and vomiting can also occur.

Cause
Whooping cough is caused by bacterial infection. It can also be aggravated by bronchitis, pneumonia, flu, smoking, and inhalant allergies.

Self-Care Tips

Aromatherapy
Steam inhalation with tea tree, basil, chamomile, camphor, eucalyptus, peppermint, rose, lavender, thyme can help relieve symptoms and speed healing.

Diet
Drink plenty of healthy liquids. Especially good is a combination of one to two tablespoons honey, one tablespoon apple cider vinegar, one tablespoon fresh lemon juice, one teaspoon each of horehound and licorice extracts, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and vitamin C powder, added to warm, pure, filtered water. Sip throughout the day. Avoid all dairy products, milk, refined and processed foods, sugar, soda, and alcohol. Eat lightly, and focus on an organic, whole foods diet, with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, brown rice, clear vegetable soups, potatoes, and whole grain toast. Garlic and onions are also recommended.

Flower Essences
Crab Apple and Olive are helpful to deal with accompanying stress and exhaustion.

Herbs
Useful herbs include sundew, thyme, butterbur, and wild cherry bark taken as infusions or tinctures several times a day.

Homeopathy
Drosera, Pertussinum, Cuprum met., and Mag phos. can help relieve symptoms and speed healing.

Hydrotherapy
Apply a hot compress to the chest once or twice a day.

Juice Therapy
All fresh-squeezed, organic vegetable juices are helpful. For additional benefit, add a clove of squeezed garlic.

Nutritional Supplementation
Recommended nutrients include vitamin A, beta carotene, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, zinc, acidophilus, garlic capsules, and lung glandulars.

Caution

If your symptoms persist despite the above measures, seek the help of a qualified health professional.

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