Be prepared for bad coughing spells. Beyond that whooping cough is usually free of complications. Infants under twelve months suffer more complications than any other age group, sometimes requiring hospital care for pneumonia or difficulty breathing with the cough, but I have seen many infants as young as two-months-old go through whooping cough without problems if it is managed properly.

Antibiotics are often prescribed for pertussis, but they have minimal effect on symptoms. Antibiotics do kill the bacteria and prevent spread of the disease to others. Cough suppressants are useless. Homeopathic medicines are more effective and have no side effects. Find an experienced homeopathic practitioner through the Council for Homeopathic Certification, the National Center for Homeopathy, or the Holistic Pediatric Association. Since whooping cough lasts for at least six to eight weeks, the homeopathic prescription often needs to be adjusted as symptoms change. If no practitioner is available in your area, consider giving remedies on your own.

Drosera rotundifolia is the premier remedy for whooping cough, used if these symptoms are present: Symptoms are worse in the middle of the night. The cough is triggered by laughing and exertion. The cough is hoarse and barking with prolonged attacks that often end in gagging and vomiting.

Cuprum metallicum is the second most frequently prescribed remedy, used if these symptoms are present: The coughing spells are alarming and long, with spasms of the larynx that result in gasping and difficulty getting a breath. These spells end in exhaustion.

Sometimes the correct remedy needs to fit the individual's unusual symptoms, and often a constitutional medicine will help bolster the immune system response as well. Be patient with whooping cough. The coughing spells will fade over time, but colds subsequent to the illness may result in a recurrence of coughing bouts.

Chinese herbal medicine also provides excellent formulas that can assist in the relief and resolution of the troublesome cough.