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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffThe following tips on dealing with coughing spells apply to anyone being treated for whooping cough at home:
- Get plenty of rest. A cool, quiet and dark bedroom may help you relax and rest better.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Water, juice and soups are good choices. In children, especially, watch for signs of dehydration, such as dry lips, crying without tears and infrequent urination.
- Eat smaller meals. To avoid vomiting after coughing, eat smaller, more-frequent meals rather than large ones.
- Vaporize the room. Use a mist vaporizer to help soothe irritated lungs and to help loosen respiratory secretions. If you use a vaporizer, follow directions for keeping it clean. If you don't have a vaporizer, a warm shower or bath also can temporarily help clear the lungs and ease breathing.
- Clean the air. Keep your home free of irritants that can trigger coughing spells, such as tobacco smoke and fumes from fireplaces.
- Prevent transmission. Cover your cough and wash your hands often; if you must be around others, wear a mask.
References
- Pertussis (whooping cough): What you need to know. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/Features/Pertussis/. Accessed Oct. 9, 2009.
- Hewlett EL. Whooping cough and other Bordetella infections. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/164191733-4/899761629/1492/1170.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50339-6_14460. Accessed Oct. 9, 2009.
- Long SS. Pertussis. In: Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/164191733-4/899761629/1608/548.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2450-7..50196-1_4360. Accessed Oct. 9, 2009.
- Lipsky M. Pertussis (whooping cough). American Medical Association. http://www.medem.com/?q=medlib/article/ZZZPWVII1AC. Accessed Oct. 9, 2009.
- Yeh S, et al. Clinical features and diagnosis of Bordetella pertussis infection in infants and children. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 9, 2009.
- Yeh S. Treatment and prevention of Bordetella pertussis infection in infants and children. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 13, 2009.
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