Allergic Cough: Is Your Loud Barking Cough Caused By Pollen
By Sitaram Bhartia Team | September 19, 2018 | Internal Medicine | 2018-09-1920 March 2019
Priyanka Khurana, 23, was down with a persistent cough. She wondered whether it could be allergic cough because it always manifested in pollen-heavy season.
She decided to consult Dr Mayank Uppal, Consultant, General Medicine at Sitaram Bhartia Hospital.
Dr Mayank explains, Allergic cough is characterized by a loud barking sound with intensity and force. It is caused by an irritation in your airways which is triggered by elements like pollen, cigarette smoking, air pollution, chemical fumes, dust and such.
This cough can last for many weeks or months depending on the presence of the irritant.
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Why Does My Dry Cough Make Me Vomit
Severe coughing can trigger vomiting. Vomiting in this situation is uncommon and should be evaluated by a medical professional. Chronic coughs like cough-variant asthma, gastroesophageal reflux , and post-nasal drip usually do not cause vomiting. A cough from a severe cold or a severe string of coughs from some irritant can cause vomiting.
How To Deal With That Nagging Cough
If youre dealing with a nagging cough that is lingering for days, weeks or months, youre not alone.
Coughing is one of the most frequent reasons patients see doctors, and it ranks in the top five reasons patients come to see us at the Ear, Nose and Throat and Allergy Clinic, said Christine Franzese, MD, an allergist with University of Missouri Health Care.
Coughing is part of the bodys defense against disease. It pushes out bacteria, mucus and foreign particles from the respiratory tract to protect the lungs from infection and inflammation. While coughing has a purpose, it can also cause its share of problems.
It can disrupt your sleep, affect school and work performance, it can even prevent people from being socially active or going places because they are so self-conscious, Franzese said.
A physician can diagnose the cause of the cough and identify the proper treatment. There are many reasons for lasting coughs. The most common causes for nonsmokers are postnasal drip, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease , chronic bronchitis and use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors for high blood pressure. Smoking is the primary cause of chronic coughing that can lead to more serious health problems, such as bronchitis, emphysema, pneumonia and lung cancer.
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An Introduction To Cough And Seasonal Allergies
A persistent cough can be one of the most irritating symptoms of seasonal allergies, particularly if it is persistent. These coughs are usually dry and caused by pollen irritating the back of the throat or air passages, triggering the natural body reaction of coughing to clear the irritant.
Coughs associated with seasonal allergies may also be caused by what is known as the postnasal drip. When pollen irritates the nasal passages, excessive fluid is produced by the inflamed membranes. This builds up and drops down the throat, irritating it, giving rise to a dry cough.
Allergy Cough Treatment: How To Stop Coughing From Allergies
![Cough: dry cough in 2020 Cough: dry cough in 2020](https://www.knowyourallergy.net/wp-content/uploads/cough-dry-cough-in-2020-dry-cough.jpeg)
A chronic cough caused by allergies can impact your health in many ways. It can impact sleep quality, it can make you self-conscious, it can also impact you socially .
So what should you do to treat a cough caused by allergies? The first step is to try and identify your allergy. If youre not sure what your allergies are, you can start with these tips:
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Start by writing a seasonal calendar and thinking about when you experience symptoms. Are they year-round or at certain times of the year?
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For 1 week, take notes in an allergy journal. Write down when youre experiencing the cough most. Mornings or nights?
If you know youre allergic to dust mites you can do a few easy things before you visit an allergist. These DIY fixes dont cost a lot of money and can be done within a few days.
Is there a lot of dust in your home? If so, Clean!
Do you have dust mite protectors on your pillow and mattress?
Have you ever tried a HEPA air purifier for allergies? These work great in the bedroom
Do you have carpeting or many rugs in the house? These trap dust and provide hiding places for dust mites
Do you keep pets in the house? Pets provide plenty of dander and hair dust mite food!
Supplements and vitamins can reduce inflammation and the allergic response they are natural!
Have you tried taking a daily antihistamine? Take an antihistamine for a week and monitor your chronic cough. I prefer Allegra non-drowsy.
And its the closest thing to a cure.
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How To Stop Constant Coughing From Allergies
Indoor or outdoor, seasonal or year-round, all types of allergies can potentially cause constant coughing. Along with a runny nose, sneezing and watery and itchy eyes, allergic cough can be disruptive and annoying. Coughing associated with allergies is often caused by postnasal drip, when mucus from your nose runs down the back of the throat. Allergic asthma may also cause persistent coughing 2. With this type of asthma, symptoms are triggered by exposure to allergens, such as pollen, dust mites and mold spores.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Why Does Coffee Make Me Cough 4 Reasons
When coffee makes you cough, it’s fair to be asking why does coffee make me cough? And it could boil down to numerous reasons, today we explore some of the primary reason’s behind coffee making you cough!
The majority of people do not experience coughing upon consuming coffee. However, some people may cough upon consuming coffee due to factors including their medical condition and state, and according to health digest, drinking too much coffee can make your cough worse.
Therefore, some people may experience coughing, or their coughing may get worse when they consume coffee.
Some of the common effects of coffee on humans include
When you want to know the answer to the question “why does coffee make me cough?“, dehydration may be one of the reasons.
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What You Should Eat If You Have A Cough
- Chicken broth or soup
- Freshly squeezed lemon in warm water or tea
- Fresh ginger
- Turmeric
- Raw honey
References: 1https://collincountyent.com/ear-nose-throat/the-reasons-you-may-be-coughing-after-eating/, 2https://www.healthline.com/health/cough-after-eating#food-allergies, 3https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20355095#:~:text=Food%20allergy%20symptoms%20usually%20develop,or%20itching%20in%20the%20mouth, 4https://www.webmd.com/allergies/food-triggers, 5https://food.ndtv.com/health/toss-them-away-6-foods-that-aggravate-cold-and-cough-in-winters-1795894, 6https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/moderate-drinking.htm#:~:text=To%20reduce%20the%20risk%20of,days%20when%20alcohol%20is%20consumed, 7https://blog.lptmedical.com/cough-suppression-techniques-how-to-prevent-and-stop-coughing-attacks, 8https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20502728/#:~:text=Gustatory%20rhinitis%20is%20characterized%20by,nasal%20congestion%20or%20facial%20pain, 9https://pharmeasy.in/blog/9-best-foods-to-ease-your-cough-and-cold/
Is It A Cold The Flu Or Just Allergies How To Tell The Difference
The common cold, the flu, and seasonal allergies are the three most common causes of a cough, and because they share some symptoms, it can be difficult to know the difference.
That said, being able to differentiate between these three culprits is essential when it comes to deciding on a treatment method because allergies are treated differently than is the flu or a cold.
Below are the defining symptoms of each of these causes and how you can differentiate them.
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Allergies And Dry Mouth
There are 3 primary links in between allergic reactions and a dry mouth, consisting of:
- Hay fever: which is brought on by a substantial number of allergies is a common culprit, inning accordance with the Asthma and Allergic reaction Foundation of America . This results in congestion of the sinus cavity. When your nasal passages are obstructed, youre required to breathe through your mouth more than normal. Your mouth tissues then end up being dry from continuous contact with air and the presence of bacteria.
- The absence of fluids that accompanies allergic rhinitis can make you end up being slightly dehydrated.
- Antihistamines, which are suggested by doctors and pharmacists to treat allergies, are a known reason for dry mouth.
So, can allergies cause dry mouth in human? Yes, definitely. Whats next?
What Types Of Allergies Can Cause Coughs
One culprits are seasonal allergies like hay fever. However, any type of allergy that causes your airways to swell can induce coughs. The same goes for mold and food allergies.
One more thing: both respiratory allergies and asthma can also put you at risk of dry coughs. Having allergies, in turn, can increase your risk of developing asthma. So, its best to limit your exposure to allergens so that you can avoid both coughs and asthma attacks.
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When To Get Tested For Covid
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, its important to be tested right away to get early treatment and avoid spreading the infection to others. These tests are widely available. You can be tested at your healthcare providers office, COVID-19 testing clinics, the hospital, or your local pharmacy.
Avoid Exposure To Allergy Triggers
![Gain Relief from Dry Cough with these Ayurvedic Tips Gain Relief from Dry Cough with these Ayurvedic Tips](https://www.knowyourallergy.net/wp-content/uploads/gain-relief-from-dry-cough-with-these-ayurvedic-tips.png)
Avoid exposure to substances you know you are allergic to — a strategy known as allergen avoidance. Whether you have a cough related to seasonal allergies or allergic asthma, this is an important part of managing allergy symptoms.
Stay away from cigarette and wood smoke, which irritate the airways and may trigger bouts of coughing. Also avoid exposure to strong, irritating fumes, such as those from cleaning products, fragrances or industrial chemicals.
Avoid being outdoors when pollen and mold counts are high if you have seasonal allergies. Keep allergens out of your home by keeping windows closed. Minimizing your time outdoors when the air quality is poor and during periods of high humidity or very cold weather may also help reduce allergy-related coughing.
Clean your home thoroughly to reduce allergens in the home. Dust and vacuum regularly, and wear a mask when cleaning to prevent breathing in allergens. Using an air purifier with a high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filter may also trap allergens and keep the air in your home cleaner.
Tips
If you continue to experience persistent coughing, visit your doctor to determine whether your treatment plan requires revision.
Warnings
If you experience trouble breathing, dizziness, lightheadedness or wheezing, seek immediate medical attention.
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Milk Does Not Cause Middle Ear Infections
Middle ear infections are common in early childhood, and especiallyin children who have allergic rhinitis . Allergic inflammation causes swelling in the nose and around the opening of the ear canal, interfering with drainage of the middle ear.
Children with cow’s milk allergy may appear to have more frequent infections. This is not because milk causes infection, but rather because children with food allergy are more likely to have allergic rhinitis and other allergies.
Are There Home Remedies To Help With Cough
There are several home remedies you can try which may help with easing your persistent cough.
A warm drink of honey and lemon can reduce the irritation at the back of your throat and ease your cough, even if only temporarily. The lemon acts as a disinfectant to prevent any infections from developing or worsening your conditionKeeping hydrated by drinking plenty of water is important. This will not only help to prevent your throat from becoming dry or irritated, but also flush out any pollen which has lodged in your throat and paletteAvoid dry or smoky atmospheres, and if possible, avoid going outside at times when the pollen count is high.
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What About Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies can either be taken to treat seasonal allergies at the root of your cough, or be taken to treat the individual symptom.
For example, Pollinosan Allergy Relief Tablets combines several different herbs designed to reduce inflammation of the mucous membranes which occurs as the body reacts to pollen. Unlike some conventional seasonal allergies treatments, Pollinosan does not cause drowsiness.
If you are looking for a specific remedy for coughs, A.Vogel’s Soothing Cough Syrup containing extracts of spruce can help to ease a dry or tickly cough whilst Bronchosan may help with a mucous cough.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a progressive inflammation of the lungs that makes breathing difficult. It is caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases and/or dust particles, most often cigarette smoke.
Symptoms may take years to develop. They include a chronic cough with mucus , wheezing, chest tightness, fatigue, constant colds, swollen ankles, and cyanosis Depression is often a factor due to reduced quality of life.
Treatment is important because there is a greater risk of heart disease and lung cancer in COPD patients. Though the condition cannot be cured, it can be managed to reduce risks and allow good quality of life.
COPD is commonly misdiagnosed and so careful testing is done. Diagnosis is made through patient history physical examination lung function tests blood tests and chest x-ray or CT scan.
Treatment involves quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to other lung irritants use of inhalers to ease symptoms steroids lung therapies and getting influenza and pneumonia vaccines as recommended.
Rarity: Common
Top Symptoms: fatigue, cough and dyspnea related to smoking, cough, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping
Symptoms that always occur with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease : cough and dyspnea related to smoking
Symptoms that never occur with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease : rectal bleeding
Urgency: Primary care doctor
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How Do Allergies Cause Dry Throat
Allergies are commonly caused by hay fever, cold weather, and other environmental allergens, such as dust, dander, mold, and pollen.
Hay fever: The term “hay fever” is a bit misleading since fever isn’t one of the symptoms of this condition. Hay fever is also called allergic rhinitis because it includes a variety of symptoms that affect your nose. Nasal symptoms and others can include:
- Nasal congestion
- Coughing
- Sneezing
Postnasal drip occurs when excess mucus drains from your sinuses and nasal passageways into the back of your throat. This can lead to the feeling of dryness or scratchiness, and it often makes you feel like you constantly need to clear your throat.
Cold weather: A dry throat occurs more often in the winter than other months due to the cold weather. Air is drier during the winter months because the humidity is lower. This can cause dry air to enter the throat and nasal passages. In addition, people tend to spend more time indoors, which leads to worsening of symptoms caused by indoor allergens, such as dust, pet dander, and cockroach droppings.
Other allergens and irritants: Dry throat is also commonly triggered by airborne allergens and irritants, both indoors and outdoors. These can include:
- Smoke
- Smog
- Fungi
Get Your Allergies Under Control
Schedule an appointment with your doctor if youre experiencing persistent coughing that you suspect may be related to allergies. Your doctor will perform a physical examination, ask questions about your medical history and may recommend allergy testing to determine what substances are triggering your cough.
Take the medications your doctor prescribes. Your treatment plan may include an antihistamine to reduce stuffiness, a decongestant to help dry up mucus and possibly a prescription or over-the-counter cough medicine. If you have allergic asthma, take your asthma medicines as prescribed.
Follow up with your doctor if she recommends immunotherapy, commonly called allergy shots. This treatment decreases your sensitivity to allergy triggers and, over time, can reduce your symptoms, including persistent coughing.
- Schedule an appointment with your doctor if youre experiencing persistent coughing that you suspect may be related to allergies.
- This treatment decreases your sensitivity to allergy triggers and, over time, can reduce your symptoms, including persistent coughing.
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Causes Of Asthma And Coughing
Asthma and coughing are very commonly caused by undiagnosed and untreated food intolerances – particularly to certain proteins:
- Along with airborne pathogens, major causes of asthma and bronchitis are FOOD TOXINS
Up to three in four people have some type of sensitivity to FOOD TOXINS. But moving to a LOW TOXIN DIET can bring great improvement.
When food toxins arrive in the bloodstream – they are not recognised as ‘friendly’ by your immune system. The immediate response is to set up inflammation in your body:
- Inflammation at the joints causes stiffness and arthritis
- Inflammation at the skin can cause hives, eczema and psoriasis
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Inflammation in the lungs or nasal passages accumulates fluids and irritation: asthma, bronchitis and cough
This is how food intolerance can lead to asthma and coughing. How to stop the inflammation? . . . move to a LOW TOXIN DIET.
How To Treat A Dry Cough
![Get rid of dry cough and sore throat by home remedies ... Get rid of dry cough and sore throat by home remedies ...](https://www.knowyourallergy.net/wp-content/uploads/get-rid-of-dry-cough-and-sore-throat-by-home-remedies.jpeg)
Mandi Franklin, MS, RN, CPNP-PC on December 6, 2021
Medically reviewed byCamille Freking, MS Pharmacology
When you or your little one come down with a dry, nagging cough, it can be highly uncomfortable especially at nighttime if your symptoms keep you awake.
There are plenty of home remedies and over-the-counter medicines that can help treat a dry cough, but in order to choose the best treatment plan you should first figure out what exactly is causing your symptoms. Allergies, an irritated throat, a cold, or another form of illness are all possible culprits for a dry cough, but they are not all treated with the same methods.
This is your complete guide to a dry cough from symptoms to treatments so you can have your questions answered.
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