Pertussis PCR: Wheezing Cough

Pertussis or whopping cough is an acute, highly communicable infection caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria in the respiratory tract. During the process of coughing, the infected patients spread the virus through droplets

Symptoms of Pertussis PCR (whopping cough): The disease runs a long course, of six to eight weeks. Initially, a person may get flu-like symptoms like old and fever, which is followed by bouts of severe and prolonged cough. This is then followed by a ‘whoop’ or vomiting which may not been seen in children below one year of age. There are strong bouts of incessant coughing that go for two to six weeks, where a person gasps for breath at times, followed by gradual recovery over one to two weeks.

Whopping cough complications
Pertussis PCR can result in subconjunctival hemorrhage (bleeding on the white area of the eye), bursting of lung(pneumothorax) and hernia(intestine popping out through the skin near the groin). Whopping cough can also lead to pneumonia and increase tuberculosis risk due to decreased immunity. The brain can also be affected, causing convulsions. There is also a noticeable loss of weight due to lack of appetite and loss of taste.

Prevent whopping cough and wheezing:
Take antibiotic therapy, and for the first four to five days after taking this therapy, patients should avoid going to workplace or social places of interaction because the virus can spread really fast. If possible, antibiotics may be taken by close family members too.

Doctors give triple vaccination-DTP-diptheria, tetanus and pertussis for preventing whopping cough in children. Three doses at monthly interval in the first year of life, and two booster doses at 1 and 1 ½ and five years of age, can prevent whopping cough even in adult age to a great extent. The newer drugs are quite safe, devoid of reaction like pain and fever.

Pertussis PCR treatment:
Antibiotics like erythromycin can treat whopping cough and prevent the spread of the disease. General measures like eating the right diet, hydration and avoiding stressful situations which may make a person cry should be avoided. For instance, due to excessive crying and sobbing, the cough can be aggravated to worse complications. Cautious observation and early treatment can prevent hospitalization.

Wheezing cough treatment Home Remedies
1. Have garlic mixed with honey. Take a full clove of garlic and crush it properly. In a little bowl vessel , place the garlic in it along with a teaspoon of honey. Cover the bowl well and keep it that way for about 12 hours. Before breakfast or an empty stomach take a spoonful of the garlic extract and honey. Garlic treats dry cough while honey soothes throat and respiratory tract inflammation.
2. Keep a glass of warm water by your side and add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to it. When you get an urge to cough, take a sip or two of this water. The vinegar will dissolve the mucus if any, and cure the inflammation. It will also easen the cough.
3. Take 3 teaspoons of stabilized aloe vera juice and mix it with a teaspoon of honey.Keep sipping the preparation throughout the day or take it if you have an urge to cough.
4. Take a spoonful of mustard oil with jaggery twice a day to relieve cure wheezing cough, as a home remedy.