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Can Allergy Medicine Help A Cough

How To Treat An Allergy Cough At Home

Allergy Symptoms & Treatments : How to Treat Cough From Allergies

Some ways to treat an allergy cough at home include:

  • Taking over-the-counter medications: Allergy medicines, such as antihistamines, nasal sprays, and decongestants, can help reduce the inflammation and mucus production that can lead to a cough.
  • Using a humidifier or inhaling steam from a shower:Humidifiers can help clear congestion and soothe throat irritation.
  • Using an air purifier: A high-quality air purifier can help reduce the number of allergens and irritants in the air inside a persons home or office space.
  • Taking prescription medications: Nasal sprays and antihistamines can help alleviate an allergic cough affecting the upper respiratory tract. Inhalers are usually needed to treat an allergic cough affecting the lower airways.

Get Immunized Against Whooping Cough

Instead of treating your next serious cough, you might prevent it by getting vaccinated against pertussis, or as it’s commonly known, whooping cough.

Health officials estimate that over half a million American adults get whooping cough every year far more than the reported number, which hovers around 10,000. One reason for the gap is that many people don’t realize they have the disease because pertussis produces its signature “whoop” of sudden inhalation only in a minority of cases. Often the symptoms are easy to mistake for just another cold, although it may go on to cause a distressing, lingering cough. Pertussis is a bacterial disease, so it’s treatable with antibiotics, but only during the first few weeks of an infection.

Most children are vaccinated against pertussis, but the immunity wears off. Childhood immunization involves five shots over several years, with diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines combined. Fortunately, adults need vaccination for these three diseases only once every 10 years.

In 2005, the FDA approved two new diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis combinations, one for adolescents, called Boostrix, and another for adolescents and adults, called Adacel. They resemble the pediatric formulations but contain less pertussis antigen . An expert committee has recommended that teenagers get a diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis shot, but as we went to press the recommendation hadn’t been extended to adults.

Symptoms Of An Allergy Cough

Allergy coughs can sometimes be difficult to differentiate from other conditions like asthma or an upper respiratory tract infection. Generally speaking, however, an allergy-related cough is “dry,” meaning that you won’t cough up any mucus or phlegm. In some people, the cough can become chronic, lasting for several weeks at a time.

An allergy cough can feel like a persistent tickle or irritation at the back of the throat and is usually accompanied by other allergy symptoms, including:

An allergy can also set off asthma symptoms, triggering cough and other breathing problems. With asthma, you are more likely to experience chest tightness, shortness of breath , and wheezing due to the narrowing of the airways of the lungs.

With infections like flu or COVID-19, you are more likely to experience fever, chill, and body or muscle aches. With COVID-19, there may also be a loss of taste or smell as well as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

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Health Risks Of Mixing Antihistamines And Cough Medicine

One problem with over-the-counter medications is that one bottle can contain multiple different substances, some of which can be easily overlooked. If people dont take the time to look through the warnings every time they purchase one of these medications, they can end up putting themselves at risk.

Some antihistamines come with painkiller or decongestant ingredients to combat multiple allergy symptoms. If a person who purchases this kind of medication doesnt pay attention and takes additional painkillers or decongestants on top of it, this can cause a dangerous situation. If both of the painkillers are of the acetaminophen variety, an individual could overdose and end up causing damage to the liver. Ibuprofen overdoses can cause stomach bleeding and intestinal damage.

Many cough medicines also contain painkillers and decongestants. Its very important to read the bottle before taking an over-the-counter medication, even if you think youve taken it before. Companies often release new varieties of their medicines that contain new elements to be more effective, and these added ingredients could interact with other substances you may be taking. Mixing cough medicine and alcohol can potentially be very dangerous.

Side effects of codeine include:

How To Treat An Allergy Cough

Homeolab Kids Cough And Cold Syrup

Oral antihistamines are the first-line treatment for allergy symptoms, blocking the underlying mechanisms that can lead to an allergy cough. Second-generation antihistamines are usually preferred for daytime use because they are less likely to cause drowsiness.

To treat the cough itself, you can consider the following options:

  • Take an over-the-counter expectorant like Mucinex to loosen phlegm.
  • Use an over-the-counter decongestant Sudafed to open nasal passages.
  • Use a nasal steroid spray like Nasacort to relieve inflammation and ease breathing,
  • Suck on a cough lozenge, especially ones containing eucalyptus.
  • Use a saline nasal spray or irrigation, like a neti pot, to clear nasal passages.
  • Use a humidifier or vaporizer to help moisturize the air.
  • Inhale steam either with a commercial inhaler or a heated pot of water to loosen mucus and ease throat irritation.

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How You Can Tell The Difference Between Cold And Seasonal Allergy Symptoms

With both allergies and colds, its typical to have congestion or a runny nose, and to sneeze often. You may also feel tired and drowsy. But there are several other symptoms that dont often overlap between allergies and a cold. Here are some of the telltale differences between cold symptoms and allergy symptoms.

Can I Take Cough Syrup Along Work Allergy Medicine

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Is The Best Cough Medicine For Allergies Right For Your Needs

The question that you have to ask yourself before buying any of the best cough medicine for allergies is whether or not they will suit your needs. Besides, you must clearly define what your needs and purposes are. From there, you can choose the best product and serve it according to your requirements.

Whats The Best Medicine For An Allergy Cough

Medicines for allergic cough

If drug-free remedies dont seem to be working, then medication is the next option. Your allergy cough relief options may include:

  • Antihistamines: Tablets containing loratadine, fexofenadine or cetirizine can help with allergic postnasal drip. Nasal antihistamine sprays containing azelastine can also reduce postnasal drip.
  • : Can reduce postnasal drip by drying out your airways. Nasal sprays and drops should only be used for short periods or they may make your symptoms worse.
  • Corticosteroids: Steroid nasal sprays can help reduce postnasal drip. Some are available over-the-counter, while others need a prescription. Steroid inhalers containing fluticasone, beclomethasone or budesonide can treat lower respiratory symptoms. They are for calming the inflammation of the airways causing an allergy cough.
  • Bronchodilators: Sprays containing albuterol may open the airways. Theyre short-acting so may be used in combination with steroid inhalers.

Treatments such as these may provide short-term relief for your allergy cough symptoms. Some are available with a prescription, others over-the-counter. You may also have seen expectorants at the pharmacy. The most common ingredient in these cough remedies is guaifenesin. Expectorants are meant to thin mucus making it easier to clear. Studies into their effectiveness have had mixed results. You may find one that works for you. Ask your pharmacist for advice.

Allergy symptoms:

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Combining Cough Medicine And Antihistamines

Cough medicine and antihistamines are two of the most commonly purchased over-the-counter medications available. Illnesses that cause coughing like colds and the flu are passed around constantly among the public, and allergies to airborne substances like pet dander and plant pollen are very common afflictions.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergies are the 6th leading cause of chronic illnesses in the United States. People with allergies need antihistamines to make it through the day, especially during peak allergy seasons.

Choose Only The Ingredients You Need To Treat Allergies

Most cold medicines have aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen as a main ingredient, and with allergies, you dont need any of these. These ingredients are meant to relieve aches and pains as well as feversymptoms that are not allergy related.

Many cold medicines also are formulated to relieve coughing. Cough relief medicines either have dextromethorphan to suppress a cough or guaifenesin to break up mucus in your chest and help you have a more productive cough. Allergy related coughs tend to be dry coughs caused by your immune systems reaction to an allergen, which causes irritation and/or swelling in your airways. Typical cough relief medicine ingredients wont help an allergy cough. You need an antihistamine, allergy-specific medicine or other allergy treatment such as seasonal allergy shots or drops.

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Possible Mechanisms By Which Older Antihistamines Could Inhibit Cough In Uacs

Table 1 lists possible mechanisms by which antihistamines could inhibit pathologic cough. Although listed here for completeness, the peripheral direct mechanism is unlikely to be responsible for cough suppression by this class of compounds because nonsedating antihistamines do not inhibit coughing. Furthermore, the peripheral indirect mechanism is unlikely to be a major contributor to the antitussive effects of antihistamines for the same reason.

Easier To Clean And Use

TexaClear Allergy Relief Tablets

Everyone loves a good product that will last longer without breaking or needing maintenance to keep it running smoothly! We all have busy lives, so its best to buy something that will save you time on daily tasks instead of wasting hours weekly.

This best cough medicine for allergies is easy to maintain because of its simple design, making it very easy to clean! You can wash your best item in about 10 seconds or less! And best of all, if you do run into any trouble with your product, you can take advantage of the products warranty and get it replaced for free.

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Natural Home Cough Remedies

If youd like to avoid taking medication, you can try the following natural remedies:

WaterStaying hydrated by drinking plenty of water helps thin the mucus that might be causing your cough.

Honeyis a go-to remedy for soothing sore throats and can decrease the frequency and severity of coughs. You can keep it simple and swallow a spoonful of honey on its own to coat your throat, or try two teaspoons in a cup of tea or warm water.

Gargling with salt watercan help with pain and offer temporary relief. Add a quarter to a half teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of warm water and gargle over a sink.

Cough dropsoffer a quick and easy way to keep coughing under control by moistening your throat.Cough dropscome in many flavors and can ease that scratchy feeling that sets off a dry cough.

It’s Easier Than You Think To Take Too Much Allergy And Cold Medicine Here’s Why

It’s a heck of a time when cold season overlap. If you happen to be one of the unfortunate souls in this sniffly Venn diagram from hell, you’d likely do anything to find relief. Fortunately, you won’t have to go much further than your medicine cabinet, but before you do, be sure to read this advice from Erica Patel, MD, of the University of Southern California, about whether it’s safe to take allergy meds and cold meds simultaneously.

Because symptoms are similar for colds and allergies, you don’t necessarily have to double down. “Many over-the-counter cough and cold medicines and allergy medicines may have similar ingredients,” Dr. Patel noted, including a pain and fever reducer, a decongestant , an antihistamine , and a cough reliever. But that means it’s also easy to overdo it.

“A good way to avoid overdosing on ingredients is to compare labels,” she told POPSUGAR. “For example, if one medication has acetaminophen as an ingredient, then avoid taking other medications with acetaminophen in them.” Common cold and allergy medication ingredients include:

  • Pain relievers: acetaminophen or ibuprofen
  • : phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine, oxymetazoline
  • Cough Suppressants: dextromethorphan, guaifenesin
  • Antihistamines: diphenhydramine , loratadine , cetirizine , fexofenadine

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What Medications Can Cause An Allergy Cough

Ironically, some medications used to treat allergies can also cause cough.

Antihistamines are a class of drugs commonly prescribed to treat allergy symptoms. They work by preventing histamine from attaching to cells and triggering inflammation.

Second-generation antihistamines like Claritin and Zyrtec are able to do this without the drowsiness associated with earlier-generation drugs. However, one of the common side effects of these popular over-the-counter drugs is a cough.

This is because antihistamines have a drying effect that can leave the throat feeling scratchy. Even so, the cough is generally mild and will clear once you stop treatment.

What Causes Allergies

Flu & Allergy Treatments : How to Stop a Cough

Allergic reactions result when the bodys immune system sees a substance as a harmful invader and overreacts to it.

Allergens can enter or come into contact with the body in several ways:

  • Inhaled, such as pollen, dust, mold, and dander
  • Ingested, such as foods and medications
  • Injected, such as from injected medications or insect bites and stings
  • Absorbed through the skin, such as from plants like poison ivy, latex, metals, and ingredients in household products

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Symptoms Of Hay Fever

Growing seasons cause plants to bloom and molds to multiply, so youll usually experience your symptoms at the same time every year. The timing can help you confirm that your symptoms are due to hay fever and not a viral infection.

Symptoms associated with hay fever include:

Year-round triggers for hay fever include:

  • pet dander, such as from cats, dogs, or birds
  • spores from fungi and molds that grow indoors

These allergens set off a chain reaction after they get into your system. A hay fever cough is an aftereffect of postnasal drip.

Postnasal drip occurs when allergens irritate the lining of your nose. This triggers your nasal passages to produce mucus, a sticky substance thats supposed to remove harmful or dirty particles from the air. Mucus associated with allergens tends to be more watery than the mucus your body produces when you arent sick or experiencing allergies. This watery mucus drips out of your nose and down your throat. This tickles the throat and leads to a hay fever cough.

This cough usually comes with a constant tickling feeling in the throat. If youre exposed to your allergen when youre outdoors, your coughing will most likely be more frequent in the daytime.

However, your cough will generally be worse at night. This effect is largely due to gravity. During the day, you stand and sit up more than at night. Mucus cant drain as easily at night when youre lying down.

So How Can You Tell If Your Cough Is Due To Allergies

First, evaluate the typeof cough you have. Allergies can cause a dry cough or wet cough , Dr. Bassett says, but post-nasal drip typically leads to a dry cough. The AAAI also points to a chronicdry coughmeaning it has lasted for more than three weeksas a sign of allergies.

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You can also determine the difference by looking at the bigger picture and seeing what other symptoms are present, Dr. Bassett says. Seasonal allergies often present with an itchy nose, throat, and eyes, which is pretty uncommon with respiratory illnesses.

And one thing allergies definitely wont cause? A fever, which is typical with viruses that lead to the common cold, flu, and COVID-19. Still not sure? Ask yourself these questions:

  • How did your coughing start? Colds tend to come on slowly, while allergies kick in as soon as youve been exposed to an allergen.
  • Are you itchy? Itchingespecially in your nose, eyes, or throatis a classic sign of allergies.
  • Do you have a fever or body aches? Respiratory illnesses can cause both, but allergies dont.
  • How long have your symptoms lasted? If your symptoms stick around for weeks or even months, allergies are probably to blame.

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Start With Some Home Remedies For Cold And Allergy Symptoms

When you start feeling icky, some simple home remedies can provide temporary relief. For starters, try to get more rest. Both allergies and colds can cause tiredness, so listen to your body and take it easy.

Also, take advantage of saltwater to soothe irritated nasal passages and scratchy or sore throats.

For your nose, use a neti pot. A neti pot can be picked up at any local drugstore or online, and typically comes with packets to mix with warm, distilled water to create a saltwater solution to pour through your nasal passages.

For your throat, simply mix a quarter or half teaspoon of table salt into an 8-ounce glass of warm water. Take a sip and gargle for a few seconds like you would with mouthwash. Then spit and repeat until the solution is gone. You can do this a couple times a day.

Evidence For The Efficacy Of Antihistamines In Chronic Cough Due To Uacs

Vicks ClearQuil All Day All Night 24 Hour Allergy Relief

Evidence from double-blind placebo-controlled studies in humans with upper respiratory disorders supporting the efficacy of sedating antihistamines is limited. Only one study has demonstrated efficacy of a sedating antihistamine in cough due to UACS. One other study showed no effect of diphenhydramine on cough due to UACS. In that same study, dextromethorphan significantly inhibited cough relative to placebo, although the magnitude of the effect was relatively low .

In contrast to the limited evidence from double-blind placebo-controlled studies, empiric evidence supports the use of sedating antihistamines for the treatment of cough due to UACS . This evidence is derived largely from published success rates in the treatment of patients with chronic cough due to a variety of causes . Older-generation antihistamines are recommended when UACS is suspected as a cause of the patients coughing . A therapeutic effect of the older-generation antihistamine is considered as evidence that UACS is involved in the production of cough in a given patient.

It is clear that newer-generation nonsedating antihistamines are ineffective in the treatment of cough in UACS based on empiric evidence, double-blind placebo-controlled studies in patients with upper airway pathology, and irritant challenge studies .

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