Allergy Cough: Resolving and Keeping it Under Control

One of the unique indicators of seasonal changes is a sudden increase in the reported incidences of allergy cough related to season-specific allergens that affect certain individuals. If you unfortunately belong to the select group of allergy-sufferers, you are surely no stranger to the awful and never-ending allergy cough that leaves you gasping for breath. Cough is the most prevalent allergy reaction for which people desperately seek medication.

What triggers this horrifying allergy cough?

Various seasonal and recurring allergens and their specific medication therapy are closely related factors that induce coughing so that the body can rid itself of allergens.

Common causes of allergy cough are:

• viral infection of the upper respiratory tract
• nasal and sinus allergy
• esophageal problems (i.e. GERD) and/or stomach problems
• environmental irritants

Treatment for allergy cough

Intermittent cough is normally not an indicator of a problem or sickness rather it is a beneficial behavior of the body to rid itself of foreign matters in the nasal and throat passages. However, if coughing continues for more than two weeks and gets worse at nighttime, there is no question that medical attention is absolutely necessary.

Only a doctor can correctly diagnose the cause and appropriate treatment for a cough. Fortunately, we do not have to immediately rush to a doctor since we can also carry out self-medication for coughs simply by drinking water and fruit juices. Drinking plenty of fluid soothes the throat, moistens and loosens the mucus so it can be coughed up easily and painlessly.

Better yet, you can make your own home-made cough syrup by mixing one part lemon juice with two parts honey. This concoction can be used as often as you need and is also effective for children from 1 year old onwards.

There are basically two most common types of cough medicines:

• expectorants – loosens the mucus to make it easy to cough up.
• suppressants – controls the cough reflex and is highly effective for dry coughs that keep you awake at night. Keep in mind not to be overzealous and try to suppress a productive cough.

Allergy cough is a very painful and strenuous experience that needs the attention of a doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications on your own to preclude more contraindications.

Allergy cough is preventable the same manner as the seasonal allergies if you exercise proper care, correct medication and staying away from allergens as much as possible.