Pertussis
Whooping cough, as this condition is commonly known, mostly affects
young children. It is usually self-limiting, but characterized by
alarming and violently spasmodic coughing fits which can be distressing
to patient and parents.
Treatment
Goal(s):
· Eliminate infection, manage cough.
Primary
Treatment:
· Administer strong doses (2-3 ml every hour) of Echinacea.
· Use warming, antiseptic expectorants such as Inula helenium
(Elecampane), Allium sativum (Garlic), and Thymus vulgaris (Thyme)
at relatively high doses and perhaps mixed with a little honey or
licorice for flavor.
· Use antispasmodic herbs such as Viburnum opulus (Crampbark)
and/or Lobelia (TINY doses!) to manage the cough.
Supportive
Treatment:
· Use warm compresses of Zingiber officinalis on the lungs.
· Use a salve made of Valeriana officinalis (Valerian), Scutellaria
lateriflora (Scullcap) and Lobelia to relax the chest and manage
the cough.
Differential
diagnoses, cautions, and other considerations:
· Avoid the use of cough suppressants, either commercial
or in the form of antitussives like Prunus serotina (Wild Cherry)
or even excessive doses of Glycyrrhiza (Licorice), as suppressing
this cough could drive the infection deeper into the lungs.
