Cough Related to Allergies: Triggers, Varieties, and Remedial Measures
In the United States, common triggers for allergy coughs include pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander [2][4]. These environmental allergens can inflame airways and provoke coughing, particularly in individuals with asthma or allergies.
Pollen levels vary seasonally, while mold spores increase in damp or humid conditions, and dust mites commonly inhabit bedding, carpets, and stuffed toys [2]. These allergens can cause inflammation and excess mucus production in the airways or postnasal drip, leading to chronic coughs that persist for weeks or longer [3][4]. For instance, proteins from mold spores like Alternaria alternata can directly damage airway cells, triggering immune responses and coughing [1].
Environmental irritants such as tobacco smoke and pollution may worsen cough symptoms [3]. Asthma, a significant condition linked to allergy cough triggers, accounts for about 90% of chronic cough cases related to allergies [4].
Identifying and minimizing exposure to these common allergy triggers can help reduce cough frequency and severity during allergy seasons [2]. Over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines, nasal sprays, and decongestants can help reduce inflammation and mucus production in an allergy cough. Prescription medications like nasal sprays and antihistamines can help alleviate an allergic cough affecting the upper respiratory tract, while inhalers (e.g., albuterol) are typically needed for an allergic cough affecting the lower airways [5][6].
An air purifier can help reduce the number of allergens and irritants in the air, providing relief from an allergy cough. Humidifiers can help clear congestion and soothe throat irritation in an allergy cough. If a person is continuously exposed to an allergy trigger, they may develop a postnasal drip [3].
Allergies can cause a range of symptoms beyond a cough, including a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, rash, fatigue, headache, and shortness of breath [3]. A doctor will determine whether a cough results from allergies or if there is another cause. If a person is experiencing any of these symptoms, they should contact a doctor for evaluation and testing [7].
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (ACAAI) states that if a person is sensitive to dust, pet dander, pollen, mold, or other common allergens, they are likely to experience coughing as a result of allergies [8]. Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a common allergic condition in the upper respiratory system that can cause a cough [9].
In the lower respiratory system, allergic asthma occurs when allergens trigger asthma symptoms. It is the most common form of asthma [10]. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America lists the following asthma symptoms: coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath, and rapid breathing [11].
It's essential to remember that only a medical professional can diagnose allergic asthma. If a person is experiencing any of these symptoms, they should contact a doctor for evaluation and testing [7]. COVID-19 can cause a different set of symptoms, including fever, tiredness, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, headache, general achiness, diarrhea, discolored fingers or toes, red or irritated eyes, and changes in voice [12].
In conclusion, understanding common allergy cough triggers and taking steps to minimise exposure can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for those affected. If you suspect you have an allergy-related cough, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Hayfever, often referred to as allergic rhinitis, can cause a cough in individuals sensitive to pollen.
- Identifying and minimizing exposure to environmental allergens like pollen, mold spores, dust mites, and pet dander at home can help reduce the frequency and severity of allergy coughs.
- An allergy cough can lead to chronic coughs that persist for weeks or longer, caused by inflammation and excess mucus production in the airways or postnasal drip.
- In damp or humid conditions, mold spores increase and can directly damage airway cells, triggering immune responses and coughing.
- Dust mites commonly inhabit bedding, carpets, and stuffed toys, contributing to coughing in allergy sufferers.
- Asthma, responsible for over 90% of chronic cough cases related to allergies, is a significant respiratory condition linked to allergy cough triggers.
- If a person is experiencing a cough, runny or blocked nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, rash, fatigue, headache, shortness of breath, or other symptoms similar to an allergy, they should contact a doctor for evaluation and testing.
- Allergies have clustering patterns, and individuals with multiple allergic diseases, like asthma, psoriasis, and ulcerative colitis, may be more sensitive to mold and other environmental irritants.
- Mental health conditions such as depression can occur in conjunction with chronic diseases like multiple sclerosis, crohn's diseases, HIV, and respiratory conditions such as asthma.
- Therapies and treatments for allergies and chronic diseases, like medication, nutrition, skin care, fitness, and mental health care, play a vital role in improving quality of life and managing symptoms effectively.
- Workplace wellness programs can provide education on various health and wellness topics, including recognizing allergy cough triggers and methods to manage symptoms.
- The American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (ACAAI) suggests that people sensitive to common allergens such as pets, dust, pollen, and mold are likely to experience coughing due to allergies.
- A doctor may prescribe antihistamines, nasal sprays, decongestants, inhalers, or other medications for an allergy cough, depending on whether it affects the upper or lower respiratory tract.
- A high-quality air purifier can help reduce the number of allergens and irritants in the air, providing relief for those suffering from an allergy cough, while humidifiers can help clear congestion and soothe throat irritation.
