Allergic cough: how to recognize and calm it?

The World Health Organization ranks allergies as the 4th ^most chronic disease in the world. In addition, it estimates that by 2050, one in two people will be allergic. Why such a surge? According to health professionals, air pollution is largely responsible. It would give rise to a weakening of immunity and the development, in subjects who are not very sensitive, of increasingly virulent allergic symptoms. Among which, we note the allergic cough, which affects more and more individuals. How does this cough manifest itself and above all, how do you calm it down?

What are the symptoms of allergic cough?

Initially, coughing is a perfectly natural reflex. It is a physiological defense reaction, which serves to expel any irritating agent from the respiratory tract: mucus from the bronchi, dust, particles, etc. Cough can take several forms:

• Acute , when it is of short duration (less than three weeks).
• Chronic , when it persists over time.
• Dry , when associated with irritation of the throat, but does not cause expectoration.
• Oily , when laden with mucus and accompanied by translucent or tinted spitting.

In general, the cough is caused by a viral infection: nasopharyngitis, laryngitis, bronchitis or pneumonia. But she can find other causes, such as a false route, asthma, chronic smoking, GERD , a more serious attack (tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis, asbestosis, COPD), or an allergy.

Allergic cough is noticeably different. It is the result of an allergic reaction , that is, one of the symptoms of hypersensitivity to an allergenic element. Typically allergic cough is a periodic phenomenon  : allergens momentarily present in the air cause a series of physiological reactions in the person who is sensitive to them. Thus, allergic cough, which can be oily or dry, is accompanied by:

• Tearing
• Eye irritation, even conjunctivitis
• Itching sensation in the back of the throat
• Runny nose
• Discomfort when breathing – wheezing, shortness of breath, feeling of chest tightness, dyspnea…
• Repeated sneezing
• Hoarsely
• sore throat
• Itching in the face

Finally, the cough symptom of respiratory allergy can be associated with other allergies: cutaneous (eczema, urticaria) or food . Very often it is atopy, a genetic predisposition to allergies.

What can cause allergic cough?

Different factors can provoke an allergic cough. Allergenic substances are diverse, but typically they are airborne allergens such as:

Pollens  : pollen grains contribute to the development of vegetation. Thus dissemination is a natural phenomenon, therefore the peak occurs in the spring. However, some pollens can be particularly allergenic. This is typically the case for grasses, ragweed, cypress or birch, whose pollen grains are particularly small (therefore more volatile) and whose protein particles are dense. Sensitive people are then struck with pollinosis (or “hay fever”), which manifests itself, among other things, by an allergic cough.

Moulds  : there are mainly four allergenic atmospheric moulds, which come from plant decomposition – alternaria, rather present outdoors; aspergillus, present indoors and outdoors; cladosporium, which parasitizes both plants and habitats (walls, windows, textiles); penicillium, present in soils or in certain foods ( cheese ). Airborne mold peaks between May and October and can cause an allergic cough.

Dust mite droppings and debris  : this is more commonly referred to as a dust mite allergy. These micro-organisms generally proliferate in warm, humid and dark atmospheres. Thus they are present in all homes, even the cleanest. They feed on human dander, so they thrive particularly in our bedding. The allergic peak often occurs in autumn- winter  : dust mites die, their faeces and carcasses dry up and turn into allergenic dust.

Secretions from the skin of an animal (cat, dog, rabbit)  : this is more commonly called a “hair allergy”, but the allergen causing the allergic reaction is in fact a protein produced by the sebaceous glands and/or animal saliva. Naturally, it spreads on its hair which, volatile, ends up reaching the mucous membranes of the person.

How to soothe an allergic cough?

Prevention is better than cure

First of all, you should know that certain preventive measures make it possible to limit exposure to the allergens responsible for allergic cough. Thus, it is advisable:

• Ventilate your home regularly. In case of pollinosis or allergy to mould, it is better to ventilate early in the morning and late in the evening.
• Avoid overexposure to allergens, avoiding favorable circumstances. For example, not practicing physical activity outdoors, on a windy day, or not going to the home of a cat/dog owner.
• Avoid exposure to other substances that can increase allergic cough, such as tobacco, cleaning products, home fragrances, incense, etc.
• In the car, roll the windows closed (pollen, mould).
• Avoid using tools that spread microparticles, such as mowers or brooms.
• Rinse your hair every evening (pollinosis), wash your hands after household chores or after touching an animal.
• Air your bedding and regularly wash household textiles – sheets, pillows, duvets, but also plaids and curtains.

Calming an allergic cough: essential oils

Aromatherapy can sometimes be of great help to soothe the little ailments of everyday life. Of course, essential oils must be handled with great care, because their highly concentrated active ingredients are not insignificant. Moreover, some can help calm an allergic cough and more generally, the symptoms of respiratory allergy:

• Tropical basil essential oil is excellent against seasonal allergies and is a proven antibacterial. To prepare a soothing oil, to be applied to the throat, chest and back, mix 10 drops of tropical basil EO, 15 drops of German chamomile EO and 15 drops of eucalyptus radiata EO in 4 ml of natural vegetable oil.
• Khella essential oil is particularly recommended in case of dry cough and is a bronchial dilator. To make a treatment oil, mix 35 drops of khella HE and 35 drops of evergreen cypress HE in 3 ml of vegetable oil. The preparation is to be applied to the chest and upper back, 3 times a day.
• Cardamom essential oil is a thinner of bronchial secretions and a natural expectorant. In case of oily allergic cough, mix 35 drops of cardamom HE and 35 drops of niaouli HE in 4 ml of natural vegetable oil, then apply on the chest and back.

Calming an allergic cough: herbal teas

Regular consumption of herbal teas can soothe the irritation resulting from an allergic cough. In addition, some plants are particularly beneficial in the face of allergies, due to their purifying and soothing effects. This is for example the case of thyme, known for its beneficial action on the upper respiratory tract. But we can also think of hyssop, an excellent bronchial decongestant (oily allergic cough), nettle, a natural antihistamine, or turmeric root., which has anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, plant infusions can act positively on the symptoms of a seasonal respiratory allergy, including cough. Added with good quality honey, they will also help soothe irritated throats.

Calm an allergic cough: homeopathy

Before considering a drug remedy, it is possible to treat an allergic cough by using homeopathy . Indeed, certain homeopathic preparations are particularly recommended to treat the symptoms of respiratory allergy. Thereby :

• Lung histamine 7CH will act on seasonal allergy symptoms, including cough. It is recommended to make a cure of 2 granules, 3 times a day, for the duration of the allergic manifestation.
• Histaminum is a basic and adjunctive homeopathic treatment for allergies. As a background treatment, it is recommended to take 3 granules of Histaminum 7CH, twice a day. In the event of an allergic crisis, it will instead be necessary to take Histaminum 9CH, 3 granules 3 to 4 times a day.
• If the allergic cough is caused by a high presence of pollen in the air, Pollens 9CH at the rate of one dose per week, starting before the season (2 months), and continuing throughout the sensitive period .

Calming an allergic cough: conventional drugs

If the allergic cough is persistent and very debilitating, it may be advisable to consult your doctor. In general, two types of treatment are recommended. The first consists of an oral antihistamine treatment, which will act on the immune systemof the individual and thus reduce the inflammatory phenomenon typical of allergy. The second, more specific to coughs, consists of a syrup: antitussive in the case of a dry allergic cough (alleviation of laryngeal irritation), expectorant in the case of a fatty cough (promoting the evacuation of bronchial secretions ). In addition, an assessment with an allergist or ENT may be considered, to detect other possible allergies and/or possibly recommend a basic treatment (corticosteroids, bronchodilators, desensitization).