An allergic cough involves bronchi inflammation. This inflammation is mainly caused either by any allergen or by something you are allergic to. Most of the times, airway irritants like dust, mold, and pollen can trigger the allergy cough symptoms. This coughing caused by the allergy can not only last for quite a long time but also keep recurring.
When allergic bronchitis lasts longer than almost three months, it is often known as chronic bronchitis. Along with the emphysema, this chronic bronchitis is also a part of the COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). However, patients may sometimes confuse this allergic reaction with the common cold. Without diagnosing the proper reasons behind the coughing, the right treatment is not possible. Hence, whenever you are experiencing a recurring cough that lasts for a long time, get an appointment with a healthcare professional for the best results. Here is a list of some of the causes behind this allergic cough along with some common allergy cough symptoms.
Causes for coughing from allergies
- Usually, the coughing from allergies is caused by the overactive immune system that responds excessively to some specific substances to which the body becomes exposed! When your body mistakes the harmless substances for the harmful ones, it initiates the defense system of the body to ward off those substances resulting in the release of histamine, a chemical that is responsible for coughing, runny nose, nasal passage swelling, and sneezing. As a result, you start to experience the symptoms of having a cold without even catching a cold.
- If your family already has a history of allergies, you are most likely to develop this allergic cough. According to various medical study reports, if one of the parents has the allergy, there is a 33% chance that the children will have an allergy too. When both the parents are allergic, the chances increase to almost 70%.
- Many external factors can also influence an allergic cough. Chemical fumes, air pollution, dust, and pollen are some of the other common causes of an allergic cough.
- Another medical fact is that your body can react differently to different allergens. For instance, it can flag down a few allergens successfully and can defend itself. On the other hand, it can fall prey to some other allergens.
According to medical professionals, when allergic bronchitis lasts longer than three months, it is usually known as chronic bronchitis. Now, various medical research reports have reflected the fact that the most common cause of this chronic cough is cigarette smoking. The smoke is usually filled with a range of dangerous chemicals. Every time you breathe in the cigarette smoke, the airway lining gets irritated and makes the lungs produce excessive mucus.
Key symptoms of coughing from allergies
Though sometimes it is common for patients to mistake the allergy cough symptoms with the common cold, there are differences. The main symptoms of coughing from allergies include
- A long-lasting cough (for days to months) as long as the allergic substances (allergens) are present.
- Unlike the common cold, the allergic cough can occur in any season.
- The coughing from allergies can start suddenly as soon as the patient is exposed to the specific allergens. This is the reason why many people feel like sneezing and coughing while cleaning dust!
- Other allergy cough symptoms include watery and itchy eyes, sore throat, and a runny nose. However, if you are having body aches and fever along with the aforementioned symptoms, then you might be suffering from a common cold. Usually, the common cold does not last more than 14 days. In case you are still suffering from cold, then there is a chance of having allergies.
- If you are having an allergic cough, you can suffer from middle ear infections and sinus as well. Though these two are not the direct symptoms, the swelling in the nasal passageways makes the sinuses highly sensitive, enhancing the chances of a sinus infection.
Usually, with time, the allergy cough symptoms can go away. Many people who are affected by allergies have reported that once they reach middle age, all these symptoms start to become quite less common even if they are exposed to different allergens. The main reason behind it is the immune system weakening along with its inability to produce a strong reaction as before.
Sometimes, people do not pay much attention to this allergic cough thinking that it will go away with time. Also, some take medications without consulting a doctor, which is not advisable. Untreated allergic cough can develop into asthma problems. Hence, even if you are experiencing mild allergy cough symptoms, it is advisable to get medical attention to avoid further complications.
