How do we know which cough we have caused allergy? Basically, bAllergies occur when our immune system overworks, attacking harmless objects such as dust or pollen.
It is difficult to distinguish whether the cough we experience is a symptom of a cold, flu symptom, or maybe an allergic cough. This is because the three conditions have the same signs, namely sneezing, runny nose, or coughing. But keep in mind that colds, flu, and allergies are actually different.
Colds and flu are caused by viruses and are contagious, and usually show additional symptoms including fever, sore throat, and aches all over the body. Also, cold and flu symptoms usually don't last more than two weeks, in contrast to allergies, where symptoms can last for months.
Allergies are caused by an overreaction of the immune system in providing resistance to foreign objects that are sometimes harmless (eg dust, pollen) so that the body secretes the chemical histamine. This histamine causes the nasal passages to swell and make us sneeze or cough. Unlike the flu and colds, allergies are not contagious, although some people are genetically predisposed to develop them.
What Triggers an Allergic Cough?
Symptoms of allergic cough will appear immediately once we are exposed to allergy triggers, or so-called allergens. Usually, the allergens are:
- Dust
- plant pollen
- Pet fur, such as dogs, cats or birds
- Spores of mold growing indoors
- cockroach
Allergic coughs are usually accompanied by a tingling feeling in the throat. Usually we will cough more often when we are outdoors, especially when exposed to allergens. However, the cough usually gets worse at night. This is because at night, our position will lie down or sleep more often, causing phlegm to pool in the lungs and rise up to the throat, resulting in a cough reflex.
This allergic cough can also occur in people with asthma. When exposed to an allergen, the airways narrow, causing a wheezing sound.
Allergic Cough Treatment
Allergic cough treatment can be done at home with natural ways like this.
- Keep drinking. This helps the mucous membranes to stay moist. When the weather is cold, this method is very helpful because the house tends to be dry which can cause coughing.
- Try taking cough suppressants and warm fluids. Cough medicine containing menthol can numb the back of the throat, making it useful in reducing the cough reflex. In addition, drinking warm liquids with honey can also soothe the throat.
- Taking a warm bath will help loosen up the phlegm in both the nose and throat, thereby relieving coughs.
- Use a nasal spray with liquid This liquid rinses out allergens and phlegm so that it can relieve cough symptoms. You can buy this tool at the pharmacy.
If these natural home remedies still don't help, see a doctor to identify the cause and recommend a more effective treatment. One alternative treatment for allergic cough is to use allergy shots to reduce the body's sensitivity to certain allergens.