Recently, the number of patients with whooping cough in infants and young children has been rapidly increasing.
According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), the cumulative number of pertussis patients across all age groups in the first half of this year reached 5,127, a 366-fold increase from 14 cases in the same period last year. Pertussis is caused by the bacterium Bordetella ( Bordetella pertussis ) is an acute respiratory infectious disease that mainly affects infants and children.
The primary symptom is a severe, paroxysmal cough, characterized by a wheezing sound when inhaling. In severe cases, the cough can persist for over 10 weeks, earning it the name "whooping cough," meaning "100-day cough."
Infants and young children, in particular, require close monitoring, as severe coughing can be accompanied by respiratory distress or cyanosis. If your child exhibits these characteristic coughing patterns, it's recommended to immediately seek medical attention.
Dr. Lee Hyuk-jae, director of Hamsoa Oriental Medical Clinic Apgujeong Branch, advises, “Whooping cough requires antibiotic treatment, but it is a disease that can be treated more effectively when combined with oriental medicine treatment from an integrative medicine perspective.” He adds, “If aftereffects such as shortness of breath or fatigue remain after treatment, oriental medicine treatment can help alleviate symptoms and restore health.”
According to this director, basic oriental medicine treatments for respiratory diseases, including coughs, include herbal medicine treatments using ginseng, astragalus, and angelica to improve immunity and replenish energy, and acupuncture and moxibustion treatments to stimulate lung-related acupoints to strengthen lung function and improve blood circulation.
Chuna therapy and acupuncture can also help restore physical strength and strengthen muscles weakened by long-term symptoms. Furthermore, lifestyle management, including adequate rest, hydration, and a warm diet, is crucial. Avoiding cold or spicy foods is also recommended.
Meanwhile, because whooping cough is a highly contagious disease, it's crucial to maintain personal hygiene in daycare centers and kindergartens, where outbreaks can occur. Proper handwashing and cough etiquette should be part of daily routine. Hands should be washed with soap and running water for at least 30 seconds after going out, before and after eating, after coughing or sneezing, and after using the restroom.
