The nose and throat are lined with mucus membranes that help to protect the body from irritants and allergens by trapping the substances. When an allergen enters the airways, the body responds by increasing mucus production, which leads to the cough receptors signaling the brain to cough. Coughing is an involuntary reflex that's intended to remove allergens from the throat before they enter the lungs.
Allergies
A cough is a common symptom of allergies. Springtime allergies can cause an increase in mucus production, which leads to a constant cough. Although the body is attempting to protect itself, it can create an annoying and discomforting condition. The most common allergies causing a cough are airborne allergens, such as pollen and mold, and household allergens, such as pet dander and dust.
Types
There are three types of coughs related to allergies. An acute cough is the most common type of cough related to allergies. An acute cough is any cough that lasts for two to three weeks. A subacute cough is a cough that lasts for three to eight weeks and is commonly associated with people who suffer from seasonal hay fever, during the springtime. A chronic cough is a cough that lasts for more than eight weeks and is caused by postnasal drip, GERD or allergy-induced asthma.
Home Treatment
The Austin Diagnostic Clinic recommends using home treatments as the primary treatments. Sufferers should breathe moist air by running a humidifier or standing in a bathroom with a hot shower running. Cough drops or hard candy can soothe the throat. However, cough drops should not be given to young children, as they can create a safety hazard. Drinking hot liquids may reduce coughing. Excessive coughing makes a cough worse by irritating the airways.
Medical Treatment
Two over-the-counter medications used to treat coughing are cough suppressants and expectorants. Cough suppressants work by restricting the coughing reflex while expectorants work by thinning mucus, making it easier to drain. Coughing from allergies is also treated with antihistamines and prescribed corticosteroids. Antihistamines alleviate allergy symptoms while corticosteroids work by reducing and preventing inflammation.
Expert Insight
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recommends seeing an allergist if a cough lasts longer than eight weeks, is accompanied with asthma or sinus issues or is the result of tobacco exposure. An allergist may recommend allergy shots as a form of long-term treatment.
