.png)
Respiratory illnesses like whooping cough, croup, and various coughs are frequent concerns for parents. While these conditions can be distressing, homeopathy offers an alternative approach to support healing in a gentle and personalised way.
Unfortunately these illnesses remain one of the leading causes of hospitalisation in children under five in Australia. For example, the prevalence of whooping cough has seen fluctuations, with thousands of cases reported annually. Croup is also a common cause for emergency room visits, particularly in winter months.
Whooping Cough
Whooping cough, or pertussis, is the result of a respiratory tract infection by the bacteria, Bordetella Pertussis. This is spread through the community by coughing and sneezing. The main concern being when infants and young children acquire Whooping Cough. The cough can become rather violent and spasmodic after the acute phase and last for weeks or months.
In Australia, the incidence of whooping cough remains significant despite vaccination programs, with outbreaks still occurring periodically. Symptoms typically begin with a mild fever and runny nose, progressing to severe coughing fits that produce the characteristic "whoop" sound. This can pose dangers to infants who may struggle to breathe during coughing episodes or experience feeding difficulties.
Homeopathic Support
Homeopathic remedies aim to alleviate symptoms and support the body’s natural healing processes without harsh side effects. Remedies for whooping cough once it has set int include:
Drosera: Helps with violent coughing fits, especially when coughing leads to retching or vomiting.
Cuprum metallicum: Useful when coughing leads to spasms or there is difficulty catching the breath.
Antimonium tartaricum: Effective for a rattling cough with excessive mucus, where the child struggles to bring it up.
How the whooping cough starts should still be treated like all homeopthics that are administered, by addressing the symptoms that match the picture. Aconite for example, is a common expression of the initial stages where sneezing may start.
Croup
Croup typically affects children under four years of age and is characterised by a barking cough and hoarseness, often worsened at night. The onset is induced from a virus or viral load. The harsh, ringing cough can be alarming for parents, especially if accompanied by noisy breathing or a blue tinge to the lips. Children with a history of asthma, eczema, or other respiratory disorders are more susceptible.
The already small trachea and voice box in a child is often the reason why croup is something that kids 'grow out of’ as they grow. Similar to Ear infections etc. The causation or susceptibility to croup is often something we view in homeopathy from both a metaphysical, genetic and exposure perspective.
Homeopathic Remedies for Croup
Homeopathy offers several remedies for the different stages of croup. Some of the main go to’s include:
Aconite: Suitable for the initial stages of croup, particularly if symptoms begin suddenly, often after exposure to cold, dry air.
Spongia tosta: Effective for the classic "barking" cough, especially if the cough sounds dry and harsh.
Hepar sulphuris: Supports the final stages of croup when the cough is looser, and there may be thick mucus.
Coughs
Coughs are a frequent symptom in children and may arise for various reasons, including viral infections, allergies, or even the stress of teething. When the immune system is compromised, or the lungs are a vulnerable area, children may develop a cough that persists or worsens over time.
Homeopathic Remedies for Coughs
The remedy chosen depends on the nature of the cough. Here are a few examples of various coughs that require a different remedy:
Bryonia: For dry, painful coughs, especially when movement worsens the symptoms.
Antimonium tartaricum: For rattling, mucus-filled coughs where the child struggles to expel the phlegm.
Belladonna: Ideal for sudden, dry coughs, often accompanied by fever and flushed cheeks.
Others to look out for include: Drosera, Tub Bov, Hepar Sulph or Aconite
Spiritual and Energetic Perspectives
From a holistic viewpoint, respiratory illnesses can also reflect emotional or energetic imbalances. The lungs and throat are often associated with communication, expression, and "breathing life in." When a child experiences recurring issues with coughing or throat conditions, it may signal a deeper need to express themselves or release pent-up emotions.
The most powerful way to work with these dis-eases is to identify not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional or energetic root causes. By addressing these underlying factors through homeopathy and energy work, children can find relief and parents may find understanding, not just in their symptoms but in their overall well-being.
Tips for Parents
Know Your Child's Symptoms: Understanding the specific symptoms can guide the choice of remedy. Track whether the cough is dry or wet, the time of day it worsens, and any triggers.
Seek Professional Guidance: Homeopathic remedies are most effective when chosen based on individual symptoms. Consult with Martine or a qualified homeopath for accurate prescribing.
Holistic Care: In addition to remedies, consider lifestyle factors like diet, emotional health, and environmental influences that may be affecting your child’s respiratory health.
My Role in Holistic Support
My approach combines constitutional homeopathic treatment, which aims to strengthen the child's overall immune system and reduce the frequency of respiratory conditions, with acute remedies that alleviate symptoms during flare-ups. I work closely with families to understand the unique pattern of symptoms and emotional factors contributing to illness.
Warmest,
Martine
Comments