Can whooping cough be treated with Chinese medicine?

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on December 20, 2024
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Whooping cough is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis or Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment is also an option. There are many commonly used traditional Chinese medicine formulas, such as Pediatric Whooping Cough Powder, Qingfei Zhike San, Feier Wan, Huachong Wan, Bai Ji Granules, Zuo Jin Wan, etc., which all have certain effects and efficacy in treating whooping cough. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that whooping cough is caused by pathogenic factors attacking the lung defense, reduced function of the lung's descending and clearing action, and cough symptoms due to qi moving in the wrong direction.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What are the symptoms of whooping cough?

Pertussis has many symptoms. The early symptoms are the same as those of a common cold, including a runny nose, sore throat, and fever. About one to two weeks later, episodic, spastic coughing occurs. Some may also experience a barking cough and a crowing sound during inhalation, which are characteristic symptoms of pertussis. This type of cough can lead to complications such as an acute facial expression, redness in the face and ears, runny nose, tears, and vomiting. It is necessary to culture the pathogen and choose sensitive antibiotics to kill this bordetella pertussis.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Whooping cough is transmitted through respiratory droplets.

Pertussis is mainly transmitted through airborne droplets and is a commonly seen respiratory infectious disease in clinical settings. If a child is at school and classmates have pertussis without antibodies in their body, it is quite possible for the infection to occur, commonly seen in babies under five years old. If there are episodes of spasmodic, convulsive coughing accompanied by a barking sound or a crowing sound during inhalation, this disease should be highly suspected, and prompt culturing of the pathogen is needed for confirmation.

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Written by Zeng Hai Jiang
Pediatrics
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Can a routine blood test detect whooping cough?

Whooping cough is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis infection, commonly seen in children. The main symptoms are paroxysmal spasmodic coughing and a crowing inspiratory whoop. The disease has a long course and may be complicated by pneumonia, neurological diseases, and others. The diagnosis of the disease mainly relies on the cultivation of Bordetella pertussis, detection of Bordetella pertussis DNA, and testing for pertussis toxin antibodies. In this disease, the routine blood test will also show a significant increase in the white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, and white blood cell differential.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Whooping cough vaccine at what age?

The pertussis vaccine is generally administered within the first year of age. Under normal circumstances, children should be taken to hospitals or public health prevention stations for vaccination according to the course of treatment. The first dose starts at the third month after birth, followed by the second dose at four months and the third dose at five months old. A booster can be administered when the baby is two years old. The DTP vaccine used in clinics mainly consists of three components: pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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What fruits can be eaten with whooping cough?

Pertussis, once diagnosed, should be treated promptly with anti-inflammatory treatment and symptomatic care. Regarding diet, common fruits such as apples, bananas, grapes, pears, watermelons, pineapples, avocados, and mangoes can generally be consumed without special restrictions. Eating more pears, tangerines, and oranges can effectively moisturize the lungs, dissolve phlegm, suppress coughs, and alleviate symptoms. It is also important to drink plenty of water and maintain suitable indoor temperature and humidity to aid in recovery from the disease. Early detection and treatment of the disease, and the formulation of individualized treatment measures, are crucial.