Allergic Cough: symptoms, causes, remedies (and what to do)

An allergic cough is a dry, persistent cough that causes throat irritation and worsens at night, and is a symptom that can appear when a person comes into contact with an allergenic substance, such as dust, animal hair or pollen, for example.

This type of cough is more common in spring and autumn, although it can also appear in winter, as environments tend to be more closed at this time of year, increasing the accumulation of allergenic substances in the air.

Allergic cough symptoms

The main characteristics of allergic cough are:

• Dry and persistent cough;
• Throat irritation;
• Cough that gets worse at night;
• Cough in which there is no phlegm or any other secretion;
• Intense cough that can cause vomiting;
• Shortness of breathe.

In addition, an allergic cough may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as constant sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, excessive tiredness or pain in the sinuses.

It is important to consult an otorhinolaryngologist or allergist whenever an allergic cough appears, so that it can be evaluated and the most appropriate treatment can be indicated.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of allergic cough is made by an otorhinolaryngologist or allergist, through the evaluation of symptoms, health and allergy history, in addition to a physical examination.

In addition, it is normally recommended to carry out allergy tests in order to identify the agent responsible for the reaction and, thus, be able to indicate the most appropriate treatment. See how the allergy test is done.

If you would like an evaluation with an otorhinolaryngologist, schedule an appointment near your region:

Possible causes

Allergic cough is caused by an exaggerated reaction of the immune system to allergenic substances, causing the release of histamine in the body, being a common symptom in people who have allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma or seasonal allergies.

The main allergens that can cause an allergic cough are:

• Dust, mites or mold;
• Plant pollen;
• Animal hair, saliva or urine;
• Cigarette smoke or environmental pollution;
• Cockroaches;
• Chemicals such as chlorine, cleaning products or perfumes.

Allergic cough is not contagious, that is, it is not transmitted from person to person. However, children of allergic parents are more likely to develop respiratory allergies at any stage of life, and are therefore more likely to suffer from a persistent dry cough.

Read too: Cough: causes, types (and what to do to relieve it)

What to do for allergic cough

In case of an allergic cough, you should consult an otorhinolaryngologist or allergist, who may recommend treatment with antihistamines, such as desloratadine or cetirizine, to reduce the release of histamine in the body, relieving symptoms.

In addition, the doctor may recommend the use of nasal corticosteroids, as they quickly relieve symptoms associated with an allergic cough, such as a runny or blocked nose.

During treatment, avoid contact with agents that can trigger allergies, such as contact with animals, carpets, curtains, dust, very humid and moldy places, for example.

Drinking more water than usual also helps to soothe the throat, reducing coughing a little.

Home treatment for allergic cough

A good home treatment for dry cough, which is one of the characteristics of allergic cough, is to take honey syrup with propolis daily, as it will keep the throat area properly clean and hydrated, thus reducing the incidence of coughing.

Another homemade option is carrot and honey syrup or oregano syrup, as they have properties that reduce the cough reflex, helping to relieve dry coughs. See how to prepare homemade cough syrups.

However, these syrups should not be used by people allergic to honey, pollen or propolis.