WHAT IS ALLERGIC COUGH: SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, & DIAGNOSIS?

DO YOU HAVE A COUGH
THAT JUST WON'T
LEAVE YOU?

Do you have a cough that just won’t leave you? If yes, then allergies may be to blame. If your cough is due to allergies, you may notice it getting worse in certain seasons or environments. So let’s understand what is allergic cough and how it is caused? Allergies are a series of reactions triggered by an overactive immune system (the body’s defense system).

The immune system defends us against harmful substances that we inhale or consume by coughing them up. Sometimes our body misidentifies harmless substances like dust or pollen as germs and attacks them. When these allergens enter our body, a chemical called histamine is released which causes cough. Let us know more about the common triggers of coughs due to allergies.

COMMON TRIGGERS OF AN ALLERGIC COUGH

DUST MITES

Dust mites, often known as bed mites, are the most prevalent source of home dust allergies. Pillows, beds, carpets, and upholstered furniture are all common sources of dust mite particles. When someone vacuums, walks on a carpet or disturbs bedding, they float into the air and settle after the disruption is ended.

POLLEN

Pollen allergy is one of the most common causes of seasonal allergies. Trees, grasses, and weeds are the major source of pollen that triggers allergic responses.

PETS

Pet allergies are common, particularly among those who have other allergies or asthma. People with pet allergies may react to proteins present in their pet’s urine, saliva, or dander (dead skin cells).

MOLDS

Mold allergies can be hard to prevent. The fungus might grow in your bathroom, the cabinet beneath your sink where a leak went unnoticed, a pile of dead leaves in your garden, or on an uncut field of grass down the road.

COCKROACHES

Cockroaches are more than simply unattractive bugs that scurry across your kitchen floor at all hours of the night. They can also be an allergy trigger.

Learning about common allergens can help you understand the common causes of allergic cough. But before that, you need to look out for the symptoms.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF
ALLERGIC COUGH

Although allergic cough may appear similar to a cough caused during a common cold, it is frequently accompanied with:

Itchy, watery eyes

Sore throat

Runny nose or nasal congestion

The most significant distinction between common cold and allergy is — a cough due to a cold may not persist for more than 14 days; whereas, an allergy cough can last for months. Allergic cough can be draining to handle; hence, it is best to prevent it.

PREVENTION OF ALLERGIC COUGH

Avoiding the allergen is the best method to prevent allergic cough. However, this is not always simple. Dust mites, for example, are difficult to detect and can grow in even the clean of homes. It might sometimes be difficult to avoid interaction with pets, especially those belonging to friends and family. The following tips can help you handle the most common allergies.

Clean cushions, soft toys, and curtains regularly, either by washing or vacuuming.

Instead of woolen blankets or feather bedding, use synthetic pillows and acrylic comforters.

Wipe surfaces with a clean wet cloth – Dusting with a dry cloth might spread allergens.

Keep your pets clean and wash them at least once every two weeks. Also, you may regularly wash soft furnishing or bedding that your pet has been using.

Use air conditioners to filter the air from dust and pollens

keep your home dry and well ventilated, especially kitchen and bathroom, to prevent mold formation

In addition to limiting your exposure to allergens, several other treatment options can help alleviate allergy symptoms.

TREATMENT OF ALLERGIC COUGH

There are various allergic cough remedies, all of which focus on reducing throat inflammation and discomfort. Here are a few remedies to alleviate cough due to allergy.

DRINK HOT TEA OR SOUP

Drinking a moderately warm beverage is a simple method to remain hydrated while also potentially reducing throat discomfort.

SUCK ON LOZENGES

Cough drops or lozenges are commonly used to treat itching or pain in the throat. Sweet candy can also aid in the relief of an itchy throat by increasing saliva production, which hydrates the inflamed area.

TAKE HONEY

Honey may be just as helpful as certain cough medicines in reducing throat discomfort and coughing.

USE HUMIDIFIER

Increased air humidity keeps your throat from drying out when you breathe and soothes your irritated throat.

DO SALT WATER GARGLE

The heat may assist relieve throat inflammation, while the salt may help with mucus removal.

WHEN TO SEE
A DOCTOR?

Allergic cough may be readily treated at home by avoiding allergen contact and using home remedies. However, see your doctor if the preventative strategies and home remedies do not provide relief. He/she may prescribe medicine for allergic cough such as antihistamines (medicines that prevent the release of histamines from the body, in order to prevent symptoms of allergy) and corticosteroids to help reduce redness and swelling. Your doctor may also test you for infection and give you a prescription for antibiotics, if required.Cough syrups containing diphenhydramine is suggested when cough is accompanied with runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, or sore throat.