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No matter why it's happening, a
cough is always boring – that's
strong, it is uncomfortable, and it never fails to attract unwanted attention.
But what is really behind this cough?
Can allergies cause coughing – or do you just have an annoying cold?
Well, there are some
clear differences between allergic cough and fat cough …
Just curious: Why do we all cough?
"The purpose of a cough is to
help us, "says Monica Lee, MD, Otolaryngologist at Mbadachusetts Eye
and ear. This is the way your body is trying to expel something that it perceives as
threat in the airways, she says.
Read more: 7 possible reasons why you cough
These perceived threats can be a
lots of different things: a piece of food stuck in the throat, pollen, air
pollution, or swelling or drainage of extra mucus in your throat. All those
that things irritate the sensory fibers of your airways, which then stimulates a
cough.
As for exactly what is happening in your
body during a cough? It's a bit complex, says Dr. Lee. Basically, your voice
the chords close briefly to generate pressure in the lungs. Once the pressure is sufficient
built, your vocal cords open and the air circulates quickly in your
voicemail, which generates this coughing sound. A little cool, huh?
So … can allergies cause coughing? Give it to me directly.
In short, yes. In general, allergies cause a dry cough (this is a
direct reaction to something that makes you sensitive or allergic in the airways).
If this is the case, you will probably have other symptoms (think: itching, tearing).
the eyes; a runny nose; an itchy throat; and sneeze, says Dr. Lee). Headache and
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, wheezing often leads to allergies.
Read more: Remind me: what is the allergy season?
Timing is also a factor. If you are
allergic to pollen (or to the adorable new kitten of your BFF), for example, you're going
probably symptoms (including your cough) almost immediately, or in the
time to be exposed. And these symptoms could last for hours after you have
been exposed – even after the allergen is no longer nearby.
Allergy cough is also
depends on trends, so doctors always try to look at the big picture. Say
you have a cough in March. This could be a sign that you are actually
suffering from allergies, instead of colds. "You have to watch
everything that's going on, "says Paul Bryson, MD, an oto-rhino-laryngologist at
the Cleveland Clinic.
Your best defense against coughs
the allergies? Antihistamines like Allegra, Claritin and Zyrtec, all of which are
available over the counter. Other options include steroid nasal sprays and immunotherapy injections, which can
regulate your body's response to allergens, instead of just relieving the
symptoms.
How do I know if my cough is coming from a cold?
You know how allergic cough is
typically on the drier side? Cough caused by colds (or flu) tends to manifest
wetter side (that "moisture" is actually the mucus that your body is trying to
get out of your body, says Dr. Lee).
Cough that comes with a cold
usually come with congestion, with postnasal drip (a.k.a. mucus
flowing in the back of the throat), which can cause sore throat or chest.
discomfort. A low fever may also indicate a cold instead of an allergy.
How to fight a cold
Colds are not as immediate as
the allergies. Instead, they tend to develop over a few days, says
Dr. Bryson.
You can try different things
to help relieve coughing Decongestants can work
for, well, congestion. And ingredients like dextromethorphan (present in many
Multi-symptom products such as Vicks NyQuil Cold and Flu Night can help relieve coughing. Make sure to take all products as indicated.
It must be said, however, that
dry cough is not always allergies, such as a fatty cough
is not always a
cold. Allergies can affect the nose, for example, cause a post-nasal discharge (a
fat cough), even though a mild cold will not leave you stuffed enough to produce
a phlegm.
Read more:
11 cold and flu remedies that actually work
12 foods that will help you survive a cold or flu
Do I need to worry about a cough?
Something important to remember: A
cough – no matter what its cause – should not be your norm.
Colds usually follow their course
in a few weeks, which means that a cough badociated with a cold should go away
in about three weeks (although some may linger as long as eight
weeks), according to the US National Library of Medicine. The duration
an allergy-related cough will vary depending on how you treat it.
Read more: Your cold could be more serious than you think
But if you notice that you are still
barking after two months of symptoms, see your doc. You could either treat
you do not know about allergy (this is where an allergy test could occur
at play) or potentially suffering from another problem such as asthma
(especially if you notice shortness of breath with one of your symptoms),
reflux, pneumonia or bronchitis, says Dr. Bryson.
And if something (allergies or a
cold annoying) annoys you enough to disrupt your life, do not delay
have it checked. If nothing else, see a doctor will give you peace
mind and maybe even speed up your recovery time.
This
the article was originally published on www.womenshealthmag.
Image credit: iStock
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