Often when a cough occurs, it is considered a manifestation of a virus or a cold. But cough, like a runny nose with sneezing, is characteristic of many other diseases. It is necessary to distinguish an allergic cough from a cold, so as not to start development and exclude the risk of exacerbation of an ailment, such as bronchial asthma, of which it is a symptom.
Symptoms
There is a widespread belief that allergies have arisen due to the fact that today we live in a too “clean” world, where our immune system is under pressure, because of which it begins to respond to completely harmless substances. Upon contact with an allergen, a person develops a dry cough that comes with attacks, which is not accompanied by other symptoms – weakness or fever, but can turn into asthma attacks. It can be caused by pollen, animal hair, food, even cold or the sun. So it is sometimes possible to determine which substance is a threat to you only after visiting a doctor.
Symptoms of coughing with allergies can be such manifestations as:
• itching or rashes on the skin;
• itching or discharge from the nose, sneezing attacks, the nose can also be blocked, which results in a decrease in smell;
• watery eyes and irritation in the eyes, there may be swelling;
• hoarse voice, burning deep in the throat.
The cough usually comes at night, not during the day. If you have an allergic cough, you must take pills or drops. If everything is left to chance, then complications such as dizziness and nausea can occur, in the most advanced cases a fatal outcome is possible. No cough will go away unless the cause is ruled out.
Causes of occurrence
For the most part, the causes of allergic cough lie in the most common things around us – dust, wool, pollen. However, among allergens, substances such as:
- Medicines
- Cosmetological preparations.
- Smoke from cigarettes.
- Chemistry (preservatives, dyes, flavors, etc.).
- Mushroom spores, mold.
Due to the fact that allergy attacks usually coincide with periods of seasonal illness, it can be difficult to recognize that it is this allergy. See your doctor if you experience these symptoms. In no case should you wait with treatment. Since complications will not be long in coming, you need to know how to recover without waiting for acute reactions of the body.
Treatment
Before starting treatment, you need to exclude the allergen from your environment. You also need to systematically strengthen your immunity. When taking medications, you must understand that you are treating the symptom – an allergic cough, and not the disease itself – the allergy. It would take months, if not years, to get rid of it.
So, an allergic cough can be treated with expectorant or cough suppressing drugs. Ointments, syrups, nasal drops for rhinitis are also suitable, and inhalers for asthma. Rinse your nose and mouth with plain lukewarm water or some salt, especially after returning from the street.
Visit your allergist regularly, and if you notice any signs of illness, contact him immediately. Only a doctor will provide you with professional help and tell you which remedy to choose.