So What Cough Medication Should You Take
For your everyday cough from a common cold, a good choice is cough medication that contains an older antihistamine and a decongestant. Older antihistamines include brompheniramine, diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine.
The studies that have guided these recommendations can’t possibly reflect every individual experience. If you think a product is working fine, it probably won’t hurt you, although you may be paying for a placebo effect rather than a proven remedy.
Always keep in mind the other, less common causes of a bad cough, especially GERD and asthma. If you have a cough that you just can’t shake, see your doctor and explore the possibility of other sources of your misery.
Symptoms Of An Allergy Cough
An allergy-related cough is typically “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.
Symptoms of allergy cough include:
- A persistent tickle or irritation at the back of the throat
Allergy coughs can sometimes be difficult to differentiate from other conditions like asthma or an upper respiratory tract infection.
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.
How To Treat A Cough Caused By Allergies
Although common, allergies can be a nuisance, causing a runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and other symptoms.
For some people, this includes a cough.
Understanding how allergies workand why they cause the symptoms they docan help you prevent and treat your allergy symptoms effectively.
In this article, Ill discuss allergy symptoms, what an allergy cough feels like, and common allergies that can cause a cough.
Ill also explore the differences between an allergy cough and a cold, as well as how to treat an allergy cough.
Finally, Ill explain when to seek immediate medical treatment.
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How To Treat An Allergy Cough At Home
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.
When To See A Healthcare Provider
An allergy cough may be aggravating but is rarely severe. However, there are situations in which coughing and other breathing problems are a sign of potentially life-threatening, whole-body allergy known as anaphylaxis.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis tend to develop suddenly and severely. If left untreated, anaphylaxis can lead to shock, coma, heart or respiratory failure, and death.
- Shortness of breath
- A sudden outbreak of hives or rash
- Feeling fainting or lightheaded
- Swelling of the face, neck, or throat
- A feeling of impending doom
Recommended Reading: Can Allergies Make You Have A Headache
How To Spot An Allergy Cough
Certain characteristics can help tell allergy related coughs apart from coughing for other reasons. This is what to look out for:
- Usually a dry cough no clearing mucus from airways or lungs
- Often with postnasal drip
- Often worse at night
- Typically lasts longer than three weeks
A tell-tale sign can be if you have other hay fever symptoms at the same time. For instance, a runny nose or maybe a stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy eyes or dark circles under your eyes. You might also get lower respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath, chest tightness and wheezing.
Can Allergies Cause A Cough
Yes, and you can blame it on your immune system. When your body mistakes a substance like pollen or mold as a harmful invader, it sets off an intense response to try and flush it out, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology . During this process, your cells release histamine and other chemicals, which triggers an allergic reaction. Cue the cold-like symptoms, including a sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and coughing.
Allergy coughs are typically caused by swelling or irritation of the airways, the AAAI says. And, if you develop post-nasal dripwhen the mucus hanging out in your sinuses trickles down the back of your throatthat can also cause a cough, Dr. Bassett says.
Read Also: Can Allergies Cause Lung Inflammation
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.
How To Prevent Coughing
In addition to learning how to treat a cough, you might want to learn how to prevent them in the first place.
To help protect against flu, make sure you get your annual flu shot, usually starting in October. Other steps you can take include the following:
- Avoid coming in contact with others who are sick. If you know you are sick, avoid going to work, school, or other places where youll be in contact with others so you wont get others sick.
- Cover your nose and mouth whenever you cough or sneeze, preferably by using a tissue or coughing into your elbow.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Clean the common areas of your home, work, or school frequently. This is especially important for countertops, toys, or mobile phones.
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing, eating, going to the bathroom, or caring for someone whos sick.
With allergies, you can help reduce flare-ups by identifying the allergens that affect you and avoiding exposure to them. Common allergens include:
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Can Nasal Saline Rinses Help Reduce Allergies
Arizona-based pulmonologist Paul Enright, MD, has had allergies since childhood. During allergy seasons, when his nose gets clogged with mucus and he has postnasal drainage, he uses a salt water sinus rinse, often during an evening shower, in order to keep his nasal passages clear throughout the night.
It’s important to note that, according to the CDC, if you are irrigating, flushing, or rinsing your sinuses, use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled water to make up the irrigation solution. Itâs also important to rinse the irrigation device after each use and leave open to air dry.
“If your nose is clogged, you have to breathe through your mouth all night. This eliminates the natural air conditioning function of the nose and may cause restless sleeping,” Enright says.
When grass and weed pollen levels are high in Arizona, to reduce inflammation and congestion in his nose, he also uses a prescription nasal corticosteroid spray about 1/2 hour after the sinus rinse.
“It’s important to point nose sprays towards the center of your head, not towards your eyebrows. The sinuses and inner ears drain deep inside your nose, and that’s where you want the nose spray to be concentrated for maximum benefit.” Enright also recommends drinking more water, which works to thin mucus. Thin mucus does not stick to the back of the throat and cause postnasal drip. You’ll know that you’re well-hydrated if you’re hitting the bathroom frequently.
Why Do We Cough
Coughing is basically a response to irritation in your throat or airways. When you feel this irritation your receptors of the trachea, throat, and lungs quickly alert the cough center of your brain. Coughing is a defense mechanism against anything it might think has gotten stuck in your throat, trachea, or lungs. Things like pollen, mucus so can make way for air to easily travel through.
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Hat Should I Avoid While Taking Robitussin Cough & Allergy
Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. This medicine can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.
What Is Robitussin Cough & Allergy
Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. Phenylephrine is a decongestant.
Robitussin Cough & Allergy is a combination medicine used to treat cough, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.
Robitussin Cough & Allergy will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.
Robitussin Cough & Allergy may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
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Whats The Best Medicine For An Allergy 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.
How To Get Rid Of An Allergy Cough
If you’re bothered by pollen, mold, pet dander and environmental pollutants, you may be suffering from an ongoing allergy cough. While this type of cough is not harmful, it can be a nuisance. When your cough is disrupting your sleep, irritating your throat and limiting your time outdoors, it may be time to consider natural remedies, over-the-counter medications or a visit to the specialist.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Boil water in a pot on the stove and let it cool slightly. Place your face several inches above the pot and drape a towel over your head. Breathe deeply, inhaling the steam for several minutes. Steam helps loosen the phlegm and mucus caused by allergies.
Enjoy a cup of licorice root tea.An age-old, herbal remedy for colds and allergies, licorice kills bacteria and soothes mucus membranes. Try Yogi Egyptian licorice or Alvita licorice teabags, drinking the tea one to two times per day after meals.
Combine one part warm honey with two parts fresh lemon juice. Mix the two thoroughly and take as needed. This natural treatment has antiseptic properties and soothes the throat irritation that leads to a hacking cough.
Elevate your pillow or the top of your bed before going to sleep. This allows allergy mucus to drain more effectively and prevents the hacking cough caused by post-nasal drip.
Tips
Warnings
Recommended Reading: Can You Get Pneumonia From Allergies
How To Treat An Allergy Cough
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 the preferred option because they are less likely to cause drowsiness. With that said, first-generation antihistamines like Benadryl may be a good option before bedtime if allergy symptoms are interfering with sleep.
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.
Characteristics Of Allergy Cough Vs Covid Cough
Coughs caused by COVID-19 and coughs caused by allergies can seem very similar. You may be able to distinguish between a cough caused by allergies and a cough caused by COVID-19 or another virus based on the other symptoms you have with it.
It is also possible to have allergies and COVID-19 at the same time. When this happens, you may have classic allergy symptoms like itchy eyes along with COVID-19 symptoms like fever and loss of taste and smell.
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Natural Allergy Relief Options
What helps relieve allergies fast? Watching what you eat, getting plenty of fresh air and drinking enough water are some of the natural remedies that can relieve allergies by improving functions of the immune system.
It may take several weeks for your symptoms to subside, but they are likely to be better kept under control when you tackle the root causes. Here are nine ways to get natural allergy relief.
1. Eat an Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline Diet
First and foremost, start eating an anti-inflammatory diet to reduce your risk for allergies and many other health problems. Caring for your body with nutrient-dense foods gives your immune system the ability to repair itself, bringing it back into balance so it can fight off common allergies in your environment.
Here are some of the best foods and ingredients to incorporate into your diet to help you beat allergies:
Although its not abundant in many foods, vitamin D is also important for immune function and may help manage allergy symptoms. In fact, certain studies have shown that children who live farther from the equator are more likely to develop allergies and suffer higher rates of hospital admissions due to allergic reactions.
You can get enough vitamin D by spending about 15 minutes in the sun most days without sunscreen and by eating foods like whole milk and some mushrooms for natural allergy relief.
2. Local Raw Honey
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
4. Quercetin
5. Neti Pot
6. Stinging Nettle
8. Probiotics
Signs Your Cough Is Due To Allergies
Since a cough can be caused by so many things, from a respiratory illness to acid reflux, its helpful to know what other signs might accompany a cough caused by allergies.
If you have other typical allergy symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose, theres a better chance your cough is allergy-related. However, if you have a fever, body aches or a loss of taste or smell, your cough more likely has another cause. The only way to know for sure is to make an appointment with your doctor to get evaluated.
Another sign you might have an allergy cough is that you experience symptoms more frequently during certain seasons or when in particular environments, like when youre taking a walk through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve.
Read Also: How To Remove Allergy From Skin
Back Up: Why Do We Cough Anyway
Coughing is a natural response to irritation in your throat or airways. To put it simply, receptors in the throat, trachea, and lungs respond and lead to activation of the cough center in the brain, explains Clifford Bassett, M.D., founder and medical director of Allergy and Asthma Care of New York.
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Coughing is an essential defense mechanism, he says, and its your bodys way of pushing any unwanted stuff out, including pollen, mucus, and pieces of food, to make more room for air to get through.
A Multitude Of Cough Causes
While coughing exists to protect us from infections of the respiratory tract, it is commonly found with other conditions, too. We associate asthma with wheezing and difficulty breathing, but for many, its main symptom is a cough. is the cardinal symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease , but the stomach acid irritating the esophagus and the back of the throat can also produce a nasty cough.
Coughing is also a side effect of several drugs, most notably ACE inhibitors such as lisinopril and enalapril, which are mainstays in the treatment of high blood pressure and heart failure. The ACE inhibitor cough sometimes begins months after you start taking the drug. Fortunately, there are good alternatives for those who have this problem.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , bacterial sinusitis, lung cancer all may announce their presence with a cough. And, of course, there’s the infamous smoker’s hack.
Several other conditions can also cause postnasal drip and its resulting cough, including sinusitis, exposure to air pollution, hay fever , and other allergies that cause nasal congestion.
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