Pertussis (Whooping Cough) & Homeopathic Treatment

[Sheri Nakken]

Here are some therapeutics that might help with differentiation for pertussis

ALWAYS best to repertorize to find the individual remedy, but these are helpful
Print out and save for quick reference!

http://www.simillimum.com/education/fir ... _cough.php

WHOOPING COUGH

Whooping cough is endemic worldwide and tends to become epidemic
every 2 to 4 years. The causative agent of whooping cough is a
bacteria named Bordetella pertussis which is usually spread by
droplets sprayed through the air by coughing during the early stages
of the disease. The bacteria invades the mucus membranes of the
nasopharynx, trachea, and bronchi and has an incubation of 7 to 14
days. The illness has 3 stages, the catarrah, paroxysmal, and
convalescent. The entire cycle may last from 2 to 3 months. One of
the old names of pertussis was the "100 day cough". Most cases are no
longer infectious after the 8th week of the disease. Infected
individuals should be quarantined so that the disease is not spread.
The catarrh stage is insidious, and begins with sneezing,
lacrimation, coryza, anorexia, listlessness, and a hacking nocturnal
cough. Fever is not present in most cases. The cough usually becomes
paroxysmal around 10 to 14 days after the onset of the catarrhal
symptoms. The paroxysmal stage is characterized by 5 to 15 rapidly
consecutive coughs followed by a hurried, deep inspiration that
causes a whoop-like sound. The cough often produces copious amounts
of viscid mucus accompanied by vomiting and gagging. After a few
normal breaths a new cycle of coughing may develop leaving the
sufferer breathless. They may turn blue, stop breathing, and suffer
convulsions. Make sure the airways are clear of mucus and that the
patient is not choking on vomited material. Use artificial
respiration when it is necessary to assist the sufferer to breath.
Make sure that infants are lying on their sides so that there is less
chance of choking and the airways stay open. Call for medical
assistance if needed. Infants under 2 years old are in danger of the
most complications. In infants choking spells may be more common than
the whooping sound associated with the cough. The convalescent stage
usually begins 4 to 6 weeks after the onset of the disease. During
this stage the cough becomes less severe and frequent, the vomiting
decreases, and the patient begins to look better. This convalescence
may be disrupted by a secondary infection that causes irritation of
the respiratory tract. The most common complications are asphyxia,
otitis media, pneumonia, hemorrhages, and convulsions, especially in
the young. The weak and elderly are in danger of secondary
infections, especially bronchopneumonia. In homeopathy the remedy
Pertussin, the nosode of the Bordetella bacteria, is reputed to act
as a preventative to whooping cough.

Materia Medica

ACONITE (1). If a constant febrile condition prevails and when at the
commencement the cough is dry, whistling, with soreness of throat.
The child grasps at its throat with every cough, as if it were in
pain. Great anguish, restlessness, fear and anxiety. Feverish,
thirsty, heat and dryness.

ANTIMONIUM TART (3). Suffocative cough, the child becomes stiff and
blue in the face (corr-r., cup.). The chest seems full of phlegm, but
does not yield to coughing. The cough causes gagging and vomiting
phlegm. Great rattling of mucus with inability to expectorate. Drowsy
and despondent. Fear of being alone yet does not want to be touch.

BELLADONNA (2). Frequent paroxysms worse by discharges of flatus
both ways, dysponea from afternoon till night, nocturnal diarrhea.
Disgusting thoughts with nausea, desires to be held.

Repertorium

WHOOPING COUGH - acon., ANT-T., Bell., CARB-V., Cina., Cocc-c.,
CUPR., Hep., Ip., Kali-bi., Kali-s., Mag-p., Meph., Pert., PHOS., SANG..

clucking sound in the throat after paroxysms - Cina..

cramps, especially flexor muscles - Cupr..

expectoration -

clear, ropy mucus, extending in thick, long strings even to the floor- Cocc-c..
rust-colored, bright, red, frothy bloody mucus - Phos..

tough whitish mucus - Phos..

viscid, yellow mucus, can be drawn out into strings - Kali-bi.

yellow, slimy expectoration - Kali-s..

febrile condition prevails - Acon, Bell..

grinding of the teeth during sleep. - Cina..

mentals -

abusive with the pains, complaining and lamenting - Cor-r.

anguish, restlessness, fear and anxiety - Acon.

anxiety -

before the attacks of cough -. Cupr.

warmth, from - Kali-s..

capriciousness - Ip..

darkness, aversion to - Carb-v.

desires to be held - sang.

disgusting thoughts with nausea - sang

drowsy and despondent - Ant-t..

fear of being alone yet does not want to be touch - Ant-t..

hasty speech and hasty drinking - Hep..

ill humor, child very cross,

does not want to be touch, or carried - Cina..

irritable, hypersensitive to pain, and impatient - Hep..

lively, open, sensitive, friendly, etc. - Phos..

restlessness, tosses about in the bed-Ip.

sadness after annoyance, talks to himself - Kali-bi..

shrieking with the pain - mag-p..

tranquillity after anger - Ip..

weeping -

alternating with queer antics - Cupr.

convulsive weeping - mag-p..

rattling of mucus with inability to expectorate - Ant-t

thumbs tucked in during cough - CUPR..

vomiting - Ant-t., Carb-v., Ip., Kali-bi..

*********
http://www.truestarhealth.com/Notes/2216005.html

Homeopathic Remedies for Cough

* Introduction
* Remedy options
* Amount to take

Coughing is the body's way of removing irritating substances, excess
secretions, and foreign objects from air passages. This is important,
both as a protective mechanism and for the healing process-which is
why a cough should not be artificially suppressed with drugs. When a
cough is painful, too intense, or prevents good rest, the use of
remedies can gently relieve discomfort and help with recovery.
Coughing can accompany a wide variety of illnesses or conditions. If
a person has serious difficulty breathing, coughs up blood or
abnormal discharge, or seems very ill in other ways, professional
help should be sought.

For dosage information, please read the information at the end of
this section. See also "Using Homeopathy With Professional Guidance"
in What Is Homeopathy?

Aconitum napellus: This remedy is indicated when a cough has come on
suddenly-often from exposure to cold wind, or after a traumatic
experience. The cough is likely to be sharp, short, dry, and
constant. It may begin during sleep and wake the person up, or can
start when the person goes from a cool place into a warmer one.
Restlessness and fear are typical when this remedy is needed. It is
often used in early stages of croup and asthma.

Belladonna: A cough that comes on suddenly, often with the feeling of
a speck or tickle in the throat, is a strong indication for this
remedy. The cough is intense and nagging and the person may feel as
if the head is about to burst. Sensations of heat, a reddened face,
and dilated pupils are often seen when this remedy is needed.

Bryonia: This remedy is indicated when a cold goes into the chest and
the cough is very painful and dry. The person feels worse from any
movement, and may even need to hold his or her sides or press against
the chest to keep it still. The cough can also make the head or
stomach hurt, and digestion may be upset. The mouth can be dry and
the person may be thirsty. If someone is very grumpy when ill and
wants to be left alone, not talked to or disturbed, Bryonia is likely
to be the remedy.

Chamomilla: A dry, hard, irritating cough that starts after being
exposed to wind, or after being overexcited and angry, can indicate
this remedy. The cough is often worse around nine in the evening and
may continue into the night. The nervous system is hypersensitive,
and the person can be extremely irritable and agitated. (Children may
even shriek and hit, though they often calm down if someone carries
them.) This remedy is also useful in asthma attacks, especially those
brought on by anger.

Ferrum phosphoricum: This is an excellent remedy for the early stages
of many inflammatory conditions, especially colds and allergy
attacks. The cough is typically short and tickling, and may be
painful. Things are worse in cold air, at night, and in the early
morning. The person feels weary, and often has a moderate fever and
lightly flushed cheeks.

Hepar sulphuris calcareum: This remedy is very helpful when a cough
is loose, rattling and gagging, and brings up yellow mucus. It also
relieves long, dry coughing jags. Extreme sensitivity to all
sensations-especially cold-suggests a need for this remedy. Cold in
any form (even food or drink) can set off a bout of coughing, and
make the person feel more ill. A person who needs this remedy feels
both physically and emotionally vulnerable, and can be irritable and
touchy. This remedy is often indicated in bronchitis and croup.

Ipecacuanha: A violent cough that comes with every breath, and long
spasmodic bouts of coughing that end in gagging or vomiting, are
indications for this remedy. The person may have a clean, uncoated
tongue and experience tightness in the throat and chest, or an
aggravating tickle. Warm, humid air or changes in the weather tend to
make problems worse. Ipecacuanha is often used during asthma attacks.

Nux vomica: Indications for this remedy include a tight sensation in
the chest with a dry, hacking, teasing cough-often causing soreness
or a feeling that something has been torn inside. Long coughing jags
can end in stomach pain and retching, and may make the person's head
ache. A person who needs this remedy is likely to be impatient,
irritable, and oversensitive to everything. A feeling of chilliness
is typical, and problems are often worse from exertion (both mental
and physical) and worse in the morning.

Phosphorus: This remedy is indicated when a person experiences
hoarseness and a tickly cough that hurts the throat, or a cold that
travels quickly to the chest. The cough can be aggravated by talking,
laughing, and exposure to cold air. The person may feel heaviness or
tightness. A thirst for cold drinks (that may cause nausea after
warming up in the stomach) is another indication for Phosphorus. A
person who needs this remedy is typically imaginative and fearful,
and likes the company of others, but tires very easily. This remedy
is often used for loss of the voice and laryngitis.

Pulsatilla: Coughs that are dry in the evening and loose in the
morning, worse in a stuffy room or when the person feels too warm,
and improved in open air may indicate this remedy. The chest usually
has a feeling of pressure and soreness, and thick yellow mucus may be
coughed up with gagging and choking. A person who needs this remedy
usually likes attention and company. It is often given to children
who tend toward tears when ill and want to be held and comforted.

Rumex crispus: A teasing, hacking cough that is triggered by a tickle
in the pit of the throat is a strong indication for this remedy; even
touching the base of the throat can set off coughing. The cough is
often dry, but frothy or stringy mucus may come up. Coughing may
begin when the person goes outside or changes from a warm place to a
cool one. The cough can keep the person from sleeping, and the center
and left side of the chest are likely to be sore.

Spongia tosta: This remedy is indicated when a cough is loud, harsh,
dry, and sounds like barking or sawing wood. The person may wake up
feeling suffocated, as if the throat is plugged or the breathing
passages are dry. Problems are usually made worse from being in a
room that is too warm, or from lying down with the head too low.
Talking aggravates the cough, and so does exposure to cold air and
smoke. Sitting up usually helps, and drinking something warm or
eating small amounts brings some relief. This remedy is often helpful
during croup and asthma.

Sulphur: This remedy is indicated for burning, irritating coughs that
get worse at night in bed, as well as for breathing problems during
sleep. It can also be useful when a mild cough drags on for a week or
more without getting worse, but without much improvement. Burning
sensations, redness of eyes and mucous membranes, foul odors, and an
aggravation from bathing are often seen in a person who needs this remedy.

Homeopathy Dosage Directions

For dosage info...............see my email on Administration of Remedies

(See also Homeopathic Remedies for Asthma, Bronchitis, and Common Cold.)

******
http://www.labriyut.net/remedy_table.htm

Coughs

Bryonia
Bronchitis, chest cold, cough centers around the upper
chest, patient is very dry, and has very extreme desire for cold drinks.

Gelsemium
Patient has cough that is very scratchy accompanied by a
cold or the flu and aches all over. The cough is centered on the lower throat.

Ignatia
Hoarse, hacking cough that irritates the throat. The
symptoms usually are accompanied by mental symptoms of grief,
hopelessness, or hysteria. Patient may have laryngitis and chills.

Antimonium Tartarticum
This is useful for a respiratory disease that has its onset
in warm damp surroundings. There may be asthma symptoms, with
bronchitis, and chest congestion. There is a rattling cough. This
remedy may be useful in cases of pneumonia where there is a blockage
of air passages and mucous blocks the windpipe creating a feeling of
suffocation. Symptoms may be worse at 4 a.m., and the patient may
have to sit up rather than lie down to breathe. Useful when there are
respiratory blockages in the air passages of newborn babies.

Phosphorus
There is a hard dry cough, almost a barking sound, with a
persistent tickle. Bronchitis and hoarseness, with painful
laryngitis. Patient is very cold and shivering and can't stand to
have the windows open.

Spongia
Dry Asthma symptoms. Croup. Difficult breathing. This type
of cough usually gets worse around midnight. The cough is from a very
deep place in the lungs. This cough is worse from cold air, warm
rooms, and warm foods or drinks give some relief.

***********
http://www.hpathy.com/diseases/whoopingcough.asp

WHOOPING COUGH
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is an infection of the
respiratory system caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis (or
B. pertussis). It's characterized by severe coughing spells that end
in a "whooping" sound when the person breathes in.

Symptoms of whooping cough

The disease begins with a cold and a mild cough. After this, the
typical coughing bouts set in. The coughing continues until no air is
left in the lungs. After this comes a deep intake of breath that
produces a heaving, 'whooping' sound when the air passes the larynx
(windpipe) that gives rise to the name of the disease.

The patient will eventually cough up some phlegm and these attacks
may well be followed by vomiting. The child's temperature is likely
to remain normal.

A bout of whooping cough can be very distressing for both the child
and the parents who feel unable to help.

Coughing attacks may occur up to 40 times a day and the disease can
last for up to eight weeks.
#Drosera. [Dros]
Drosera is one of the remedies praised by Hahnemann; indeed, he once
said that Drosera 30th sufficed to cure nearly every case of whooping
cough, a statement which clinical experience has not verified.
Drosera, however, will benefit a large number of the cases, if the
following indications be present: a barking cough in such frequent
paroxysms as to prevent the catching of the breath; worse in the
evening. All efforts to raise the phlegm end in retching and
vomiting. The attacks are especially worse after midnight; the child
holds its epigastrium while coughing. The drosera child cries a great
deal. Arnica has crying before coughing because recollection or
previous soreness and pain in present. Bayes says: "Drosera is more
useful in whooping cough than any other remedy in our Materia
Medica." Unlike Hahnemann, however, he claims that the higher
dilutions are powerless, and he prescribes the first. Drosera acts
better in pure, uncomplicated whooping cough, and while it will
correspond to some epidemics it will fail in others.
Solanum Carolinense has a good clinical record in explosive and
spasmodic coughs, and is recommended by electric physicians as almost specific.

#Castanea vesca [Cast-v]
Has also been vaunted as a specific in the 3x dilution.

#Cuprum. [Cupr]
In whooping cough accompanied with convulsions, or when the paroxysms
are long and interrupted, Cuprum will be the remedy. Spasms of the
flexor muscles predominate. The cough is very violent and threatens
suffocation. This remedy will come in sometimes very nicely after
Drosera and do good work. The patient coughs up a tough, gelatinous
mucus, there is much rattling in the chest, and the face and lips are
bluish. A great characteristic of the remedy is the relief from a
swallow of cold water. Hale mentions the usefulness of Cuprum in
cases accompanied with spasms, clenched hands, etc.

#Corallium rubrum. [Cor-r]
This is a very useful remedy in severe cases of whooping cough.
Before the cough there is a smothering sensation. The child gaps and
becomes black in the face. It is a remedy for that shot, quick,
ringing cough known as the "minute gun" cough. The smothering shows
itself in the form of gasping, crowing inspirations. After each
attack of cough the child sinks back perfectly exhausted. No other
drug produces such a violent paroxysm. It is perhaps oftener
indicated in the later stages of the affection, but the neurotic
element must be present, and also the constriction of the chest
before the attacks. The crowing inspiration of whoop is not so
pronounced as under Mephitis. Dr. Teste recommended Corallium and
Chelidonium as comprising the entire therapeutics or whooping cough,
and Dunham praises Corallium in violent cases.

#Coccus cacti. [Coc-c]
This remedy has paroxysms of cough with vomiting of clear, ropy
mucus, extending in thick, long strings even to the floor. This is
sometimes seen in children who cough and cough with this tenacious
mucus stringing from mouth and nose, waving to and fro until it
finally gives way. The paroxysms come on in the morning, and
accompanying them there is often vomiting of a clear, ropy mucus.
Eructations of wind following cough are an indication for Ambra
grisea. Coccus is a useful remedy for the protracted bronchial
catarrhs remaining after whooping cough. The excessive secretion of
mucus under Coccus is marked and causes the child to strangle. The
choking is most characteristic, even more so than the strangling.

#Mephitis. [Meph]
Mephitis is useful in a cough with a well marked laryngeal spasm, a
whoop. Cough is worse at night on lying down, there is a suffocated
feeling, and the child cannot exhale. Farrington observes that this
remedy will often apparently make the patient worse, while it really
tends to shorten the course of the disease. The catarrhal symptoms
calling Mephitis are slight, but the whoop is prominent. The
smothering comes on with cough, while with Corallium rubrum it comes
on before the cough, and is followed by great exhaustion. There is
not much expectoration with Mephitis. There are many spasmodic
symptoms with this remedy, such as cramping of the legs at night. The
writer has also seen good results from Naphthalin when the cough is
very dry and catarrhal symptoms not pronounced, and the paroxysms of
extreme length, and the constriction of the chest are present. It is
a remedy that is especially suitable to whooping cough in adults. One
of Hahnemann's therapeutic hints in whooping cough is ledum, which
has a spasmodic racking cough, and should be thought of in connection
with this affection.

#Belladonna. [Bell]
In sudden violent paroxysms of whooping cough, without any
expectoration, and the symptoms of cerebral congestion, Belladonna
will be found useful. Epistaxis may accompany, and the patient is
worse at night. Boenninghausen says that it is suitable mostly in the
beginning of the disease, or, later, when there is fever. Often in
the beginning of the disease it use will shorten and modify the
disease. Another indication for belladonna is present when the
attacks terminate by sneezing. The cough is excited by a tickling in
the throat, as if from down. Retching and vomiting and pain in the
stomach are prominent symptoms, but when Belladonna is the remedy the
congestive symptoms will be present and active, the onset sudden; the
child grasps at the throat and clings to its mother, as if frightened.

#Ipecac. [Ip]
Convulsive cough, where the child stiffness out and becomes blue or
pale and loses its breath, great nausea and relief from vomiting are
prominent symptoms for Ipecac. A "gagging cough" is a good indication
for the remedy. The discharge of mucus is copious and tenacious, and
the patient is very weak after the attacks. Violent shattering coughs
following each other in quick succession, not permitting recovery of
breath, indicate Ipecac. he child is limp and weak, and there is free
perspiration. Sulphur is an excellent remedy for vomiting after the
paroxysmal cough.

#Antimonium tartaricum. [Ant-t]
With this remedy the child is worse when excited or angry, or when
eating; the cough culminates in vomiting of mucus and food. There is
much rattling of mucus in the chest, but the expectoration is slight.
The child demanding Antimonium tartaricum will be irritable and
cross, and will cry, when approached; the tongue will be white and
weakness will be present. If diarrhoea be present with great debility
and depression of vital forces, or if the child vomits its supper
shortly after midnight, Antimonium tartaricum will be the remedy. It
also has marked aggravation form warm drinks.

#Cina. [Cina]
This is not always a worm remedy. It is a most excellent remedy in
whooping cough. It has the same rigidity as Ipecac, the child
stiffness out and there is a clucking sound in the oesophagus when
the little one comes out of the paroxysm. Grinding of the teeth
during sleep will further indicate Cina. It, is of course, specially
indicated by symptoms of worms and in children who are predisposed there to.

#Magnesia phosphorica. [Mag-p]
This is the prominent Schuesslerian remedy for whooping cough, which
begins as does common cold. The attacks are convulsive and nervous,
ending in a whoop. Clinically, I have found this remedy, used in the
30th potency, to act marvelously in certain epidemics. While
associated with Dr. William Boericke, of San Francisco, it was not an
uncommon thing for a patient to come to us for "some of our whooping
cough remedy," which was nothing else than Magnesia phosphorica 30th.
It seemed especially adapted to the then prevailing epidemic. The
indications may be stated as cough in severe paroxysms, with blue or
swollen and livid face, with a severe whoop.

Kali sulphuricum will also at times be found useful.

#Sanguinaria nitrate. [Sang]

This remedy is useful when there is hoarseness, rawness in the throat
and larynx, and headache.

# Kali bichromicum. [Kali-bi]
This remedy suits cases where there is a hoarse cough; child breathes
superficially and rapidly to prevent attacks of coughing. It is a
coarser cough than that of Hepar, worse from eating and on inspiring
deeply; there is a general catarrhal involvement of the nose, throat
and frontal sinus, and the expectoration is yellow, tough and
stringy, differing from that of Coccus cacti in being yellow.
Coqueluchin or Pertussin, a nosode of whooping cough, is advocated by
Dr. J. H. Clarke, of London, who claims food results from its use. A
spasmodic hacking, deep-sounding, croupy cough with coryza and
difficulty in getting the breath seem to be the indications. Cartier
and others report success with the remedy. It is better used not
lower than the 30th.

***********
http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.asp? ... tion=print
Pertussis
"Whooping cough" can be quite a nasty and prolonged illness, even in
older children, in whom it is seldom fatal or dangerous. It can
certainly threaten life in young infants under one year of age,
because of the narrowness of the immature laryngeal opening and its
particular vulnerability to obstruction from any inflammation or
swelling. It is rarely serious in children older than six; and
adults, for some reason, rarely contract the illness at all, even
when they are exposed and have never had it before.

The incubation period varies from one to two weeks; and the illness
often begins quite slowly, with some fever, typical upper respiratory
symptoms, and a cough that gradually becomes more and more
paroxysmal, until the characteristic spasms appear, often terminating
in vomiting or tenacious sputum ejected with great violence. Such a
cough may commonly persist for six weeks or even longer, suggesting
an autoallergic as well as an infectious origin.

The nosode Pertussin, prepared from the sputum of patients with this
disease, is the homeopathic remedy generally used for prophylaxis of
exposed children (Pertussin 30c, one dose daily for two weeks after
contact); and it can also be given in early stages of illness, at
four-hour intervals. Drosera is the remedy most often used for the
illness itself, although other remedies may also be needed. For
children with a well developed cough, Drosera 30c or Pertussin 30c
may be given every four hours, or even more often if necessary. A
physician should be consulted if the illness is severe.

Homeopathic remedies are available without prescription, but care
should be exercised to obtain them from a manufacturer belonging to
the American Association of Homeopathic Pharmacies. This way, you
will know that they have been prepared in accordance with the
standards of the U.S. Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia.

************
http://hpakids.org/HTML/managingchickenpoxandwhoop.htm
Managing Chickenpox and Whooping Cough

Randall Neustaedter OMD, LAc, CCH
Whooping cough (pertussis)

Be prepared for bad coughing spells. Beyond that whooping cough is
usually free of complications. Infants under twelve months suffer
more complications than any other age group, sometimes requiring
hospital care for pneumonia or difficulty breathing with the cough.

Antibiotics are often prescribed for pertussis, but they have minimal
effect on symptoms. Antibiotics do kill the bacteria and prevent
spread of the disease to others. Cough suppressants are useless.
Homeopathic medicines are more effective and have no side effects.

Find an experienced homeopathic practitioner through the Council for
Homeopathic Certification, or the National Center for Homeopathy.
Since whooping cough lasts for at least six to eight weeks, the
homeopathic prescription often needs to be adjusted as symptoms
change. If no practitioner is available in your area, consider giving
remedies on your own.

Drosera rotundifolia is the premier remedy for whooping cough, used
if these symptoms are present: Symptoms are worse in the middle of
the night. The cough is triggered by laughing and exertion. The cough
is hoarse and barking with prolonged attacks that often end in
gagging and vomiting.

Cuprum metallicum is the second most frequently prescribed remedy,
used if these symptoms are present: The coughing spells are alarming
and long, with spasms of the larynx that result in gasping and
difficulty getting a breath. These spells end in exhaustion.

Sometimes the correct remedy needs to fit the individual's unusual
symptoms. Be patient with whooping cough. The coughing spells will
fade over time, but colds subsequent to the illness may result in a
recurrence of coughing bouts. The good news is that whooping cough
does confer lifelong immunity, unlike the vaccine.
------------------------------------------
Sheri Nakken, R.N., MA, Hahnemannian Homeopath
http://www.wellwithin1.com/vaccine.htm & http://www.wellwithin1.com/homeo.htm
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