Coughing, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, is one of the most common complaints in doctor's offices. Several conditions can cause a cough, including allergies. These allergies can occur seasonally when plants disperse their pollen, or they can be episodic allergic reactions to scents, animals or food. Regardless of the cause, an allergic cough, which can be accompanied by sneezing, itchy watery eyes, congestion and nasal discharge, is uncomfortable and can make it difficult to concentrate.
Allergies
When your immune system detects an antigen, which can be a bacteria, virus or allergen, it responds by implementing a series of biochemical changes intended to ward off the invader. According to MedlinePlus, a National Institutes of Health website, this type of reaction can include sneezing, swelling and coughing. Any of these symptoms can become severe enough to impair your everyday activities, and you may develop asthma if your respiratory system is significantly affected. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology, as many as 50 million people in the United States have some type of allergy.
Coughing Caused by Allergies
In response to an allergen, your respiratory system increases the production of mucus to coat the lining of the esophagus, throat, nasal passages and lungs. This mucus is intended to trap small particles that are causing the irritation. In addition, your respiratory system has receptors along the way to stimulate a cough to clear the system so you can breathe. According to The Austin Diagnostic Clinic, coughing due to allergens can be caused by drainage of mucus at the back of the throat, inflammation of the sinuses, an asthmatic response or acid reflux.
Treatment
If you're experiencing symptoms of asthma that can include coughing, seek professional medical treatment. Asthma can be a serious, life-threatening condition that requires the intervention of a doctor. For coughing simply due to allergies and not accompanied by wheezing or shortness of breath, over-the-counter allergy medications may help. In addition, The Austin Diagnostic Clinic suggests using a warm air vaporizer in your room to help loosen secretions that can cause coughing. Cough drops as well as tea made with honey may also be helpful in decreasing coughing.
Considerations
Coughing is meant to help clear your airways but it can also cause additional irritation, particularly if it occurs for a long period of time. Unfortunately, this irritation can cause you to cough more, creating a cycle of irritation and coughing. If you're experiencing coughing that appears to be causing irritation, ask your doctor about prescription medications that can treat both the allergic response and your cough. These may include antihistamines and decongestants for the allergies and a cough suppressant to treat the cough.
