Allergic Cough Treatment and Prevention, An allergic cough is defined as a chronic, persistent, dry cough resulting from an immune response to allergens such as dust or pollen.
It is characterized by its ability to last for more than three weeks, unlike a cough caused by a cold or flu, which comes on strongly and then gradually subsides. Allergic coughs are often accompanied by symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.
Causes of Allergic Cough
An allergic cough is not contagious. It occurs as a result of inhaling airborne particles that trigger an immune response. These particles are known as allergens, including:
- Pet dander.
- Pollen.
- Dust mites.
- Dust.
- Mold.
Symptoms of Allergic Cough
Symptoms of an allergic cough include:
- A blocked or runny nose.
- Itching in the throat and nose.
- Sneezing.
- Watery nasal discharge.
- Itchy eyes and skin.
- Watery eyes.
- Dark circles under the eyes.
Treatment for Allergic Cough
Treatment for allergic cough depends on the patient's condition and age,The treating physician will prescribe medications and home remedies to alleviate symptoms. These remedies include:
- Avoiding known allergens such as pollen, dust, smoke, and pet dander.
- Using a saline nasal spray to relieve nasal congestion.
- Drinking plenty of water and warm fluids, such as caffeine-free tea, to stay hydrated.
- Adding 1-2 tablespoons of honey to warm drinks.
- Gargling with a mixture of salt and lukewarm water several times a day.
- The doctor may prescribe antihistamines and decongestants to relieve symptoms.
Medications for Allergic Cough
- Phenadone syrup.
- Allerban.
- Otrivin.
- Nostamine.
- Sinecod.
- Prospan Syrup.
- Zyrtec Syrup.
How to Diagnose Allergic Cough
Diagnosing allergic cough helps identify the irritants causing the cough, thus helping to avoid exposure to them.
Diagnostic methods include:
Skin testing: This involves pricking the skin with a small amount of the allergen. If a red spot appears, this indicates an allergy to that substance. This is the most commonly used form of allergy testing.
Identifying the accompanying cough symptoms to determine its severity and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Ways to Prevent Allergic Cough
There are some effective ways to prevent symptoms, including:
- Avoiding allergens by keeping windows closed during pollen season.
- Using air purifiers and dusting with a damp cloth to prevent dust dispersal.
- Cleaning the house regularly and wearing a mask to avoid dust inhalation.
- Reducing the number of pets in the house if they trigger allergies.
- Avoiding touching the face or eyes after touching pets.
- Preventing the accumulation of pet dander by cleaning regularly. Wash your hair and change your clothes immediately upon returning home.
- Avoid irritants such as secondhand smoke and ensure good ventilation in your home.
- Wash all bedding in warm water monthly.
How can we differentiate between a regular cough and an allergic cough
An allergic cough is characterized by its persistence for more than two weeks, its dryness, and its accompanying symptoms such as itchy eyes and a sore throat.
A regular cough, on the other hand, is caused by a cold, is usually productive (with phlegm), is moist, lasts for a shorter period (no more than 14 days), and is accompanied by symptoms such as fever and muscle aches.
Article Summary
An allergic cough is a cough resulting from irritation of the airways due to an inappropriate or exaggerated immune response. It occurs as a result of inhaling allergens such as pollen and dust.
It can last for more than three weeks, unlike a regular cough caused by colds and the flu. It is treated with decongestants and antihistamines to relieve symptoms.