Whooping Cough: Let's Break It Down! 🔍
Whooping Cough spreads like crazy because it's so contagious.
Let's break down what a holistic-minded parent needs to know & do.
What Is It?
- AKA Pertussis, it's caused by 🦠 B. pertussis bacteria
- Spread through the air by respiratory droplets 💦
- Harder for the immune system to fight 🥊 because it's a bacterial not viral
A simple sneeze or cough -- even breathing close to someone is enough to send respiratory droplets through the air and spread the infection! 😱
Risky Business
Whooping cough is super contagious. Up to 80% of people who aren't immune will catch it. Often adults have mild symptoms, and don't know they're spreading it.
The 3 Stages of Pertussis
Stage 1 (1-2 weeks)
- Mild cough, Runny nose, Low grade fever 🤒
This is the stage that most people don't know they have pertussis
Stage 2 (several weeks)
- Cough gets harsh and dry. Severe coughing fits with vomiting become frequent.
- Older kids there may be a "whoop" sound when breathing in
- Babies often don't have always have a “whoop” - but can develop severe complications (50% need hospitalization!)
Stage 3 (weeks to months)
- Vomiting and the whoop stop first
- The cough usually decreases around week 6, but may not disappear for months 😳
It's been called the "100 day cough" ⏳
Complications
About 1/2 of babies with pertussis need care in the hospital, especially those under 6 months.
- Apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing): 70%!
- Pneumonia 🫁 Seizures & Encephalopathy (inflammation of the brain)
- 1 in 100 babies will die from their complications
Prevention
➡️ Frequently wash hands, Avoid others who are sick, Wear masks in close shared spaces 😷 All GREAT strategies to stay well.
➡️ IF you have been in close contact or live with someone diagnosed with pertussis, taking antibiotics will prevent you from becoming ill AND prevents spread of this highly contagious illness.
➡️ What about Vaccines? 💉
▶️ Passive immunity: Mothers can get the adult TdaP vaccine in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. This allows pertussis antibodies to pass to the baby from mom through the placenta giving NEWBORNS protection for the first few months of life.
▶️ Active immunity: Children can get the DTaP vaccine starting at 2 months of age which BUILDS THEIR OWN antibodies to pertussis but also to diphtheria and tetanus.
▶️ Teens and adults keeping up to date on their boosters of the TdaP vaccine helps protect themselves but also protects our most vulnerable loved ones - babies and old folks!
Treatment
✅ Pertussis can be treated with antibiotics 💊
✅ Antibiotics are remarkably effective in reducing severity and duration of the illness HOWEVER, they are most effective early in the illness when many people don't know that they have pertussis.
✅ When taking antibiotics, important to take PROBIOTICS, eat foods with fiber e.g. apples and pears and fermented foods like kefir, yogurt and sauerkraut. All this protects the gut from losing all the healthy bacteria that antibiotics can kill off!
✅ Bordetella bacteria attaches to the cilia in the airway and damages them. This allows mucous to build up and worsens the coughing fits.
Thyme and Eucalyptus are two herbs that can help thin mucous.
Both herbs can be put in a vaporizer, usually as essential oils. Put 3-4 drops of one or both in the bowl of the vaporizer and breathe in this gentle herbal steam.
✅ A vaporizer can help soothe the inflamed airways ~ usually warm vaporized air is better for soothing coughs.
✅ Drinking lots of fluids, getting enough rest and supplementing with vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc will help support the immune system IN THE LUNGS!
We have a great little course to help you get prepared for the upcoming illness season! Packed with useful tips, videos and handouts on staying healthy through Cough & Cold season using natural remedies. Available for just $47 with LIFETIME ACCESS!
ENJOY!
