Whooping Cough
- Alex Kelly
- Jul 18
- 10 min read
Updated: Jul 23
I have teamed up with Natalie Wescott, an ER RN, to discuss all things whooping cough. Natalie brings a very unique perspective, as she is holistic minded but works in the field of modern medicine. This is great, because there is a time and a place for both!
This is not medical advice.
It is always best to consult with your personal, trusted provider.
Understanding Pertussis
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough or the “100-day cough,” is a contagious respiratory illness triggered by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. There are three stages of whooping cough: Catarrhal Stage (weeks 1-2), Paroxysmal Stage (weeks 2-6+), and Convalescent Stage (weeks-months).
Pertussis Stats
Pertussis typically to follow a rise and fall pattern. The cycle tends to peak every 3-5 years. In 2015 we saw 20,762 cases in the US. The number slowly decreased to 2,116 in 2021 (quarantine played a role in this drastic decrease), and then slowly increased to 7,063 in 2023.
Pertussis Vax & Stats: through the years
Whooping cough vaccination in the U.S. began in 1914 with the first pertussis vaccine. In 1948, the combined DTP vaccine for whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus was introduced. By 1991, the DTaP vaccine replaced the DTP, and was recommended for infants starting in 1996.
Contracting Pertussis: and the reported benefits
Although a diagnosis of pertussis can be scary, especially for young children, let’s look at what the studies have to say about the lifetime benefits after this diagnosis
Decreased Cancer Risk
One study “consistently revealed a lower cancer risk for patients with a history of FICD (febrile infectious childhood disease). The strongest associations were found between patients with non-breast cancers and rubella, respectively chickenpox. A strong association was also found with the overall number of FICD both 'classical' (measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, scarlet-fever and chickenpox) and 'other'.”
In other words - People who experienced a fever-causing infectious disease in childhood (such as pertussis) have a lower cancer rate (for all cancers except breast).
Prolonged Immunity
Researchers based at the University of Michigan and the University of New Mexico found that pertussis immunity from natural infection can last at least 30 years and potentially up to 70 years, much longer than previously believed (4-20 years). The study also suggests that people whose immunity has waned rarely become infected again and may even have their immunity boosted by re-exposure (**).
Stages of Whooping Cough
1. Catarrhal Stage (Weeks 1–2)
This is the beginning phase, and symptoms often resemble a common cold. You might notice a runny nose, mild fever, sneezing, fatigue, and a light cough. It’s easy to miss because it feels like any other mild illness. This is when the infection is most contagious.
2. Paroxysmal Stage (Weeks 2–6 or longer)
During this stage, the “typical” symptoms begin. The cough becomes intense and comes in fits or spells, often ending with a “whooping” sound as the person gasps for air. Vomiting after coughing, facial redness or even bluish skin, and sheer exhaustion are common. This is the most difficult and disruptive phase, especially for infants and young children.
3. Convalescent Stage (Weeks to Months)
The worst of the coughing fits start to fade, but recovery is slow. Milder coughing can continue for several weeks, especially if triggered by activity, cold air, or illness. While the person is no longer contagious, the lingering cough can be frustrating.
What Does Whooping Cough Sound Like?
Whooping Cough; INFANTS
Babies younger than three months face the greatest risk of severe complications from whooping cough. Approximately 50% of these infants who get infected require hospitalization, often needing extra oxygen support and sometimes mechanical ventilation. The death rate from whooping cough in newborns ranges between 1% and 3%, while in infants overall, it is about 0.7% (1).
Unlike older children, infants with pertussis might not show the typical coughing fits; instead, they may experience breathing interruptions known as apnea. These pauses in breathing can lead to low oxygen levels, which are believed to cause seizures in some cases (1,2).
Whooping Cough: KIDS-ADULTS
While children, teens, and adults can develop the typical form of whooping cough, many experience milder symptoms that are harder to recognize since they often don’t include the distinctive “whooping” sound. This is especially common among those who have completed their vaccination series (1).
Although serious complications are uncommon in these age groups, they can sometimes occur and may involve issues such as collapsed lung, nosebleeds, bleeding in the eyes, hernias, loss of bladder control, broken ribs, fainting spells, slipped spinal discs, hearing problems, chest pain, and other conditions (1,2).
Antibiotics for Whooping Cough
Antibiotics are most helpful in the early stages of whooping cough.
When antibiotics are administered early in whooping cough, while symptoms are still mild and general, they can reduce how long the illness lasts and help stop it from spreading (1,2).
However, early detection is uncommon since the initial signs often resemble a typical viral cold. The chance of identifying whooping cough early increases during community outbreaks or after known exposure, when healthcare providers are more alert and testing and treatment are more likely to occur (1,2).
Antibiotics can prevent transmission in the late stages
In the later stage of whooping cough, when the classic “whoop” appears, antibiotics don’t ease symptoms or shorten the illness, making their use somewhat debated. However, they can help prevent spreading the infection to others. Whooping cough is very contagious for at least three weeks, but antibiotics can shorten that window to five days—offering protection to family, the community, and helping everyone return to normal life sooner (1,2).
How to Mitigate Antibiotic Symptoms
Florastor is a probiotic that is proven to be resistant to most common antibiotics, and can be taken during the full course of an antibiotic.
florastor baby (250mg)
florastor kids (250mg)
florastor adults (500mg)
Baby and Kids are the exact same. Baby is just unflavored and kids is flavored. Adults could take baby/kids, and double up on packs.
Foods high in probiotics: yogurt, sauerkraut, miso, kefir, kimchi
Also consider taking scutellaria supreme and an antifungal to help mitigate yeast overgrowth.
Scutellaira supreme also has the ability to enhance antibiotic effectiveness which can further shorten illness duration.
Antifungals: Lose dose natural options: MCT oil, oregano oil, garlic, olive leaf extract
Whooping Cough Holistic Treatments
The general medical consensus is that, if detected early enough, antibiotics are the best choice during the early (catarrhal) stage of whooping cough - especially for infants. This is not our decision to make for you, but up to you and your trusted provider.
The following treatments are focused on the two later stages (paroxysmal and convalescent).
We advise working with a qualified natural health practitioner to help create a personalized treatment plan. Certain herbs aren’t appropriate for everyone and may interfere with antibiotics or other medications.
High Dose Sodium Ascorbate
There is evidence showing sodium ascorbate as an effective treatment against pertussis. Ascorbate is the antioxidant portion of whole Vitamin C. It is an electron donor and neutralizes toxins in the blood. It works by mobilizing the immune cells that process the infection (neutrophil and phagocytes). The bacterial toxin of pertussis forms a barrier to the immune system. Ascorbate clears this barrier, which allows the immune system to deal with it properly (3,4).
*Sodium ascorbate does not prevent or stop pertussis. It helps ease symptoms by clearing away toxins, making the coughing milder, increases the ability of the body to clear out the bacteria, and helps develop natural immunity.
Thin & Move the Mucus
In later stages of pertussis (whooping cough), mucus production increases as the body tries to fight off the infection. Thinning mucus helps to make it easier to expel from the respiratory system. Natural remedies like steam inhalation with a nebulizer or humidifier, hydration, and warm teas can help loosen and thin mucus, allowing for easier breathing and reducing the severity of coughing fits. Avoid using decongestants.
Getting mucus to move out of the airways is key in managing pertussis. Techniques like chest percussion (clapping the chest & back), using a humidifier, or practicing deep breathing can help loosen mucus and clear the airways. Strong, controlled coughing is an effective way to move mucus out of the lungs. Avoid using cough suppressants as they allow mucus to pool in the lungs, leading to potentially worsening symptoms.
Nebulize Saline
You can get premade saline. Or some people DIY with ½ tsp sea salt and 8oz water - although this is not technically recommended due to contamination. If you decide this route, use purified water NOT tap.
Set Up Humidifiers
Maintaining humidity in the range of 40-60% can also reduce transmission of pathogens. Shop humidifiers.
Non-Medicated Cough Support
Non-Medicated Cough Syrups
Earthley Cough Be Gone (6mo+)
Homeopathy & Tinctures for Congestion
Pyrogenium for Nasal Congestion
Camphora for the onset of the common cold
Oscillococcinum for FLU like symptoms (2yrs and up)
Hyland’s Mucus + Cold Relief (6mo+)
Kids Cold Crush Genexa (4yr-11)
Earthley Feel Better Fast - ALEXK10 for 10% off website
Chest Rubs
Manual Percussion
If your child has chest congestion, you can try manual percussion. This is done by cupping your hand and clapping the child's chest and back to help loosen mucous and move it to the larger airways to allow it to be more easily expelled.
Cough Suppressants
In general, coughing serves a purpose in the body's natural healing process. A productive (wet) cough is your body's way of clearing out mucus, pathogens, and debris from the lungs and airways. Suppressing that natural reflex can trap mucus in the lungs, increasing the risk of infection like pneumonia or bronchitis & prolonging the illness.
However, whooping cough can wear you out quickly, so it may be necessary (sparingly) in order to get the rest needed for your body to heal - especially at night.
Cough suppressants are typically not recommended for babies. The FDA advises against OTC cough and cold medicines in infants under 2, while others recommend it against children under 4.
Fevers
Whooping cough can cause mild fever in the early stages. See our fever guide here.
Herbal Treatments
Thyme:
Common thyme is one of the most frequently recommended herbs for easing symptoms of whooping cough. Studies suggest it may help relax the airways and possibly protect the lungs from damage caused by pertussis toxins (5,6). While there’s no direct research confirming its effectiveness against Bordetella pertussis, the bacteria behind whooping cough, it does have natural antibacterial properties (7).
Wild Cherry Bark:
Wild cherry bark helps open up the lower respiratory system, and move mucus up while drying it out. It has calming and nervine properties, which can help ease coughing spells, especially at night. It is also cooling to sore and inflamed tissues in the sinuses and throat. You can take this as a tea, tincture, or make your own cherry bark syrup.
Mullein:
Mullein leaf tea or syrup can help relieve inflammation and coughing spells by helping move stuck congestion. This is a great herb for lung issues, specifically.
Lobelia:
Lobelia is a powerful herb traditionally used to support the respiratory system. It may help ease coughing spasms, loosen mucus, and stimulate breathing during whooping cough. Due to its potency, it must be used in very small, precise doses—especially in children—and should never be given to infants without professional guidance. It's typically used as a tincture and often paired with other calming herbs.
Pulmonaria:
Pulmonaria, or lungwort, is a gentle herb traditionally used to support lung health. For whooping cough, it may help soothe irritated airways, ease spasmodic coughing, and loosen mucus. It's often included in respiratory blends, especially for children, due to its mild and soothing nature.
Inula:
Inula, also known as elecampane, is a traditional respiratory herb that may help with whooping cough by calming deep, spasmodic coughing and loosening thick mucus. It has expectorant and antimicrobial properties, making it useful for clearing the lungs and supporting recovery from respiratory infections.
Homeopathy for Whooping Cough
pertussinum & drosera combo
One study (8) showed pertussinum 30C (1x/week) combined with drosera 6C (3x/day) effective against the intensity and duration of whooping cough. *pertussinum is 3rd party or rx only
bryonia
best suited for cases where the cough is harsh, dry, and comes with irritability or thirst for large amounts of water.
cuprum
Best suited for cases where the cough ends in a gasp or whoop, or if there’s choking, rigidity, or convulsions during a coughing spell.
ipecac
Best suited for persistent, violent, cough fits. Especially when the cough is wet-sounding, but no mucus is brought up. It can be particularly helpful when coughs lead to gagging or vomiting.
hepar sulphuricum: late-stage pertussis with wheezing and dry cough
phosphorus: dry cough with chest pain
aconite: hoarse, dry cough with thirst and restlessness
spongia: harsh cough worse when lying down (great for croup, too)
When to Seek Medical Treatment
struggling to breathe
apnea (long pauses in breathing)
inhalation with a whooping sound
turning blue after coughing
blue lips or extremities
lethargy
loud wheezing
low pulse ox (below 90%)
excessive drooling and inability to swallow
not able to cry or talk from difficulty breathing
when your mom gut tells you something is wrong
How to Spot Retractions
This is when the chest muscles pull inward with each inhale, indicating a struggle to get enough air into the lungs. Watch your child’s breathing when they are healthy, so you can recognize when it looks abnormal.
DTaP Vaccine
This is not a guide on the vaccine, and we are not going to tell you that you should or should not give this vaccine. However, if you do decide to give this vaccine and are interested in ways to detox and mitigate side effects see my vaccine detox guide.
DTaP is an aluminum-containing vaccine. Keep this in mind as you read through the vaccine detox guide.
Sources:
*Albonico HU, Bräker HU, Hüsler J. Febrile infectious childhood diseases in the history of cancer patients and matched controls. Med Hypotheses. 1998 Oct;51(4):315-20. doi: 10.1016/s0306-9877(98)90055-x. PMID: 9824838.
1 Nieves DJ.Heininger U.2016.Bordetella pertussis. Microbiol Spectr4:10.1128/microbiolspec.ei10-0008-2015.https://doi.org/10.1128/microbiolspec.ei10-0008-2015
2 Kilgore PESalim AM, Zervos MJ, Schmitt H2016.Pertussis: Microbiology, Disease, Treatment, and Prevention. Clin Microbiol Rev 29:.https://doi.org/10.1128/cmr.00083-15
3 Bozonet et.al 2015, Enhanced Human Neutrophil Vitamin C Status, Chemotaxis and Oxidant Generation Following Dietary Supplementation with Vitamin C-Rich SunGold Kiwifruit, Nutrients, PMID:25912037
4 Schorah 1996 Total vitamin C, ascorbic acid, and dehydroascorbic acid concentrations in plasma of critically ill patients.PMID:8615361
6 Wan, L., Meng, D., Wang, H. et al. Preventive and Therapeutic Effects of Thymol in a Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury Mice Model. Inflammation 41, 183–192 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10753-017-0676-4
8 Chung Y. (2018). Whooping Cough Alleviated by Homeopathic Medicines: A Case Report. Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 24(2), 58–61.
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