All You Need To Know About Allergy Cough Symptoms & Treatments
Allergy symptoms can be a drain on your energy and, depending on your triggers, may follow you throughout the year. One of the most common and annoying symptoms is coughing.
Allergy symptoms can be a drain on your energy and, depending on your triggers, may follow you throughout the year. One of the most common and annoying symptoms is coughing.
If you suffer from coughing due to an allergy or wonder if your cough could be an allergy symptom, read on to learn about identifying allergy symptoms and ways to find relief.
Coughing can be due to almost any allergic trigger including dust mites, mold, tree pollen, grass, or animal dander. The trigger usually causes increased mucus production in the form of sneezing and a runny nose. Over time, the mucus finds its way down your throat in a process known as postnasal drip. This postnasal drip is what causes your cough as the sensation can make your throat feel scratchy or itchy, leading to a reactive cough.
Because many of the symptoms overlap, it can be difficult to tell the difference between allergies and other respiratory conditions. Coughs that are allergy-related can occur in tandem with any of the following symptoms:
Allergies typically do not occur with symptoms like fever, intense sore throat, or vomiting. If those symptoms are present, it is likely that your symptoms are due to a cold, viral sickness, or other condition. Allergy symptoms may also only appear in certain environments where the allergy triggers are present. For instance, if your symptoms disappear when you’re not around cats, it’s likely that they are due to an allergy.
If you suffer from allergies, you have a wide range of safe and effective treatments that may offer you relief. Not all treatments work for everyone, so be sure to experiment with a few to find which ones work best for you.
One of the gentlest treatment options is using a device like a neti pot or a squeeze bottle to rinse your nasal passages. This may clear them of the bacteria or particles that are causing your allergy-related cough. Nasal rinsing should always be completed with distilled water since tap water can contain harmful bacteria. A quicker option to clean out your nasal passages is to use a saline nasal spray. They are medication-free and are especially helpful for combatting the postnasal drip that leads to coughing.
If you prefer or require a stronger solution, antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroid sprays are over-the-counter options that may reduce allergy symptoms. Antihistamines block your body’s reaction to allergens, leading to fewer allergy symptoms overall. Decongestants specifically target swelling in your nasal passages, which can be used in conjunction with nasal rinsing to reduce postnasal drip. Corticosteroid sprays work overtime to reduce the production of allergy-related mucus and is highly effective for eliminating allergy coughs. If none of these medications work for you, talk to your doctor about other options that may alleviate your symptoms.
If possible, taking steps to prevent your allergic reaction altogether can be a life-changing step. Identify your triggers through observation or testing and find ways to avoid them in your everyday life. Some people have even moved houses or climates to find relief and report a much higher quality of life away from their triggers. If you are sensitive to pet dander or dust mites, keep your environment as clean as possible to reduce your exposure.
Allergy-related coughs are an annoying part of life for many. Understanding the cause of this frustrating symptom and finding a treatment that works can get you back to a healthier and happier you!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.