A few months back, my sister’s children, who live out of state, were exposed to whooping cough. With six kids, the infection spread quickly before she realized what was happening. The first child developed a severe case with the classic nighttime cough, but as my sister researched, she discovered a powerful protocol from a naturopath and homeopathic practitioner. By following these natural steps, the other children experienced milder symptoms and recovered significantly faster. Since whooping cough has been circulating in many areas, my family has also used this protocol preventively, helping keep our kids healthier.
Understanding Whooping Cough
Whooping cough, or Bordetella pertussis, is a bacterial infection that targets the respiratory tract, producing toxins that can severely irritate lung tissues. These toxins impair the cilia (tiny hairs in the respiratory tract) that usually expel mucus and microbes, making it challenging to clear mucus naturally. This blockage leads to the characteristic severe coughing, as the body tries to forcefully expel mucus and reclaim normal lung function. If left unmanaged, whooping cough can pose serious health risks, especially for young children.
Classic Symptoms of Whooping Cough
Whooping cough progresses through three stages, each with distinctive symptoms. The entire course of the illness can last several weeks to months, so understanding these stages is key:
- Catarrhal Stage (Initial Phase)
- Duration: 1-2 weeks
- Symptoms: Runny nose, mild fever, sneezing, and a mild, occasional cough. This phase resembles a common cold, making it easy to miss as whooping cough. This is also the period when individuals are most contagious and can unknowingly spread the bacteria to others.
- Paroxysmal Stage (Intense Coughing Phase)
- Duration: 2-4 weeks (or longer in severe cases)
- Symptoms: This stage is marked by intense, uncontrollable coughing fits, often leading to the characteristic “whoop” sound as the person gasps for air after a coughing spell. Other signs include:
- Severe coughing fits that may cause vomiting.
- Thick mucus that can be difficult to clear.
- Red or blue face from intense coughing, especially in young children.
- Note: In infants, the “whoop” sound may be absent, and instead, you may observe gagging, gasping, or pauses in breathing (apnea), which requires immediate medical attention.
- Convalescent Stage (Recovery Phase)
- Duration: 2-4 weeks
- Symptoms: The coughing gradually decreases in severity, but milder coughing fits may persist for several weeks. While the risk of spreading pertussis decreases during this phase, it’s still possible to spread the bacteria until symptoms have fully resolved.
When Are You Most Contagious?
- Early Phase (First 2 Weeks): Whooping cough is most contagious during the initial catarrhal phase when symptoms are similar to a mild cold. Since symptoms are mild, many people may not realize they are infected, which increases the likelihood of spreading the illness.
- Contagious Period Beyond the First Two Weeks: If left untreated, individuals remain contagious up to about 21 days after the coughing spells start. However, with antibiotic treatment, contagiousness usually reduces significantly within 5 days of starting the medication.
Key Indicators to Identify Whooping Cough
- Cough Characteristics: Persistent, spasmodic coughing fits that are difficult to control. Coughs tend to cluster in episodes, with little relief between fits.
- “Whooping” Sound: Especially in older children and adults, a “whoop” sound as they gasp for air is a hallmark sign.
- Duration: The illness typically lasts much longer than a regular cold or flu, with the coughing phase alone often persisting for weeks.
- Trigger Sensitivity: Coughing fits may be triggered by changes in temperature, laughing, crying, or eating.
If these symptoms are present, especially if they persist beyond a typical cold, consult a healthcare provider for a whooping cough test, which can confirm the diagnosis and prevent further spread.
WHAT TO DO…
The Benefits of Sodium Ascorbate (Vitamin C) for Whooping Cough
Research supports that sodium ascorbate, a buffered form of Vitamin C, can significantly aid recovery from whooping cough by neutralizing toxins, thinning mucus, and supporting the immune response (Hemilä, 2006). Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, fueling immune cells and stabilizing respiratory tissues. Unlike antibiotics, which are often ineffective for well-established cases of whooping cough, sodium ascorbate provides critical support to help the body manage the infection and repair lung tissues naturally.
Recommended Natural Protocol for Whooping Cough
This protocol is adapted from Dr. Suzanne Humphries’ research, aiming to reduce whooping cough severity and duration. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new protocol, especially for young children.
1. Sodium Ascorbate Dosage
The sodium ascorbate protocol varies by age and weight, and it’s critical to start with the correct dose. Here are general guidelines for daily intake:
- Initial Dosing:
- Infants and Toddlers: 200-375 mg per kg of body weight, divided into multiple doses throughout the day.
- Older Children and Adults: Up to 1000 mg per kg of body weight during peak coughing periods, spaced hourly or every 2-3 hours.
- Administration Tips:
- Powdered Sodium Ascorbate: Mix with water and give small amounts frequently to avoid overwhelming the digestive system. The powder has a very mild salty taste so we mixed it with a little orange juice for our kids.
- Liposomal Vitamin C: An alternative form for easier absorption, particularly useful for children with sensitive stomachs.
- Adjusting Dose: If loose stools occur, reduce the dose slightly. The goal is to maintain tolerance without causing digestive upset, aiming for two loose stools per day as a marker of effective dosing.
Duration of Sodium Ascorbate Protocol
Children
- Initial Phase (1-2 Weeks): Start with the recommended daily dose of sodium ascorbate based on body weight, divided into small, frequent doses throughout the day. For children, this is typically 200-375 mg per kg of body weight per day.
- Peak Coughing Phase (3-4 Weeks): During the most intense weeks of coughing, children may need up to 500-1000 mg per kg per day. This peak period is crucial for keeping symptoms manageable and helping to clear toxins.
- Tapering Phase (After 4-6 Weeks): Begin gradually reducing the dose after 4-6 weeks, depending on symptom severity and bowel tolerance. If coughing returns or worsens during tapering, increase the dose slightly to stabilize symptoms.
- Maintenance Phase (Up to 12 Weeks): Continue a small daily dose (about 100-200 mg per kg) until symptoms have resolved and energy levels are back to normal, usually within 8-12 weeks.
Adults
- Initial and Peak Phase (2-4 Weeks): Begin with a daily dose of 200-500 mg per kg of body weight in divided doses, adjusting up to 1000 mg per kg during the most intense coughing periods. This will likely be between 15-30 grams per day for most adults, depending on tolerance.
- Tapering Phase (4-8 Weeks): Gradually reduce the dose as symptoms improve. Monitor for any return of cough or symptoms, and adjust as needed to maintain symptom control.
- Maintenance Phase (After 8-12 Weeks): Continue with a lower maintenance dose (around 5-10 grams per day) for a few more weeks if the immune system still seems weak or recovery is slow.
Note: The duration may vary based on individual tolerance, symptom severity, and overall health. It’s essential to monitor bowel tolerance and adjust the dose if loose stools occur. For any extended protocol, consult a healthcare provider to ensure appropriate long-term dosing and monitoring.
2. Vitamin D for Immune Support
Vitamin D helps reduce respiratory infections and boosts immune resilience. Aim for:
- Children: 400-1000 IU daily
- Adults: 2000-4000 IU daily (consult with a healthcare provider for personalized dosage).
3. Herbal Support
- Elderberry: Known for its antiviral and immune-modulating properties, elderberry syrup can be given in small amounts (5-10 mL twice daily) to help the body fend off respiratory infections.
- Thyme and Eucalyptus: These can be diffused or used as gentle chest rubs (diluted in a carrier oil) to ease breathing and clear mucus.
4. Homeopathy
Homeopathy offers specific remedies for respiratory relief:
- Drosera: For deep, painful coughs with a “whooping” sound.
- Belladonna: For dry coughs accompanied by fever.
- Antimonium Tartaricum: For loose, rattling coughs with difficulty expelling mucus.
For precise dosages and selection, consult a certified homeopath.
5. Chiropractic Care for Immune Health
Regular chiropractic adjustments can help the body maintain a strong immune response, especially important during cold and flu seasons. Adjustments help reduce nervous system stress, which supports better immune regulation and overall health. Chiropractic care does not treat whooping cough directly, but it fortifies the body’s natural defenses, making it more resilient to infections. The nerves that tell the lungs how to work are in the mid back so it is important to make sure this area specifically is freed up to keep the body working well.
Supportive Therapies for Active Infections
Once whooping cough is established, supportive care becomes essential.
Hydration
Staying hydrated keeps mucus thin and manageable. Offer water or coconut water regularly to children, especially during coughing episodes.
Humidified Air
Using a humidifier or sitting in a steamy bathroom can ease airway discomfort and facilitate mucus movement, making coughs more productive.
Rest and Gentle Rocking
Rest is crucial for recovery. For infants, gentle rocking can help them relax and settle during coughing spells, which tend to intensify at night. Normally I encourage kids to be active but over exertion with Whooping cough can tend to flair up symptoms can cause a coughing fit.
If Your Child Experiences Breathing Difficulty
In rare cases, whooping cough can cause breathing issues, especially in young infants. Here’s what to do if your child has trouble breathing:
- Sit Them Upright: Keep their airways open by having them sit or lay slightly inclined.
- Stay Calm: Children sense adult emotions, so try to remain calm to avoid increasing their distress.
- Seek Medical Attention: If breathing difficulties are severe, visit an emergency room for professional care.
When and How to Use This Protocol Preventively
If someone in your household has whooping cough, this protocol can be used preventively:
- Start Sodium Ascorbate Early: Begin daily doses of sodium ascorbate as soon as exposure is suspected, using lower doses than therapeutic ones. This may reduce the likelihood of severe symptoms if infection occurs.
- Regular Chiropractic Visits: Keeping the nervous system aligned aids the immune system in staying vigilant against infections.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Minimize sugar intake, which competes with Vitamin C at the cellular level, and emphasize a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and immune-boosting nutrients.
Summary
Using a combination of natural therapies, including sodium ascorbate, supportive herbs, chiropractic care, and immune-boosting nutrients, can significantly ease whooping cough symptoms and potentially reduce the severity of infections. With proactive steps, you can help your family navigate whooping cough season with stronger, more resilient health.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns or before starting new treatments.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase. Using these links helps support the valuable health information I share and allows me to continue bringing you natural wellness insights. Thank you for your support!
References
- Hemilä, H. (2006). “Safety of Vitamin C: Urban Legends.” Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism, 50(1), 45–51. doi:10.1159/000090495
- Gorton, H. C., & Jarvis, K. (1999). “The effectiveness of vitamin C in preventing and relieving the symptoms of virus-induced respiratory infections.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 22(8), 530–533. doi:10.1016/s0161-4754(99)70005-9
- Humphries, S. (2012). “Why is nobody studying vitamin C in whooping cough?” Retrieved from drsuzanne.net
- CDC. (2021). “Pertussis Clinical Overview.” Retrieved from cdc.gov/pertussis
