Four questions to ask before treating symptoms of an allergy cough
Seasonal allergies can cause great discomfort if not met with proper treatment and prevention methods. Allergic symptoms can be very similar to a common cough and cold. The following article answers some of the most common questions about allergy symptoms, its home remedies, prevention, and how the symptoms of an allergy cough are different from that of a common cold.

How to differentiate between a cough caused by a common cold and allergies?
Listed below are some characteristic differences between a cough caused due to common cold and allergies:

• A cough caused by a common cold can last from three to three weeks, while an allergy cough might last for even a month or as long as the person is in the contact of the allergens.
• A common cold can be contracted at any time of the year, but a person is most susceptible during the winters. A cough as a symptom of an allergy can happen at any time of the year depending on the seasonal allergens.
• Symptoms of a cough due to common cold might appear a few days after days after contracting the infection, whereas symptoms of an allergy cough can be noticed immediately.

What are the risk factors of an allergy cough?
Following factors might cause allergy cough symptoms:

• Asthma – There are several allergens that might cause asthmatic symptoms including a persistent cough, labored breathing, and even post-nasal drip in some cases.
• Smoking – The toxic chemicals present in the tobacco can lead to a “smoker’s cough.” This symptom is particularly the result of airways trying to clear the chemicals from the air passage constantly. Smoker’s cough can also lead to chronic bronchitis.
• Irritants – Environmental factors like pollen, pet dander, chemicals, and industrial pollution can act as allergens that cause a cough as a symptom.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – It has been found that GERD could lead to respiratory diseases which can cause symptoms such as chronic coughing.

Which home remedies can be used to treat a cough caused due to allergies?
Here are some home remedies that can ease the symptoms of a cough caused due to an allergy:

• Sage – It can be used to reduce the inflammation, particularly, in the mouth and throat regions, and it also helps in suppressing cough caused due to allergens.
• Honey – Commonly found in most kitchen cabinets, honey acts as throat lubricant which can aid in providing relief from a dry cough caused due to allergens, such as pollens, pet dander, and dust.
• Ginger – Ginger is commonly used as a cooking ingredient, but it is also used in treating viral infections. The antihistamine properties of ginger juice can be used as a decongestant that provides relief from mucus leading to coughs.
• Thyme – The small leaves of thyme have anti-inflammatory properties that can be used to relax airway muscles which in turn reduce the urge to cough.

What are the tips to prevent and/or ease the symptoms of an allergy cough?
Here are five tips that can prevent and/or ease symptoms of an allergy cough:

• Stay hydrated – Allergies might cause upper respiratory tract infection or post-nasal drip. Hence, it is recommended to drink lots of fluids and stay hydrated, as it helps to thin out the mucus in the post-nasal drip, thus, keeping the mucous membranes moist.
• Steam showers and humidifiers- Secretions in the nose can be loosened up by taking steam showers. This can be helpful to ease coughs caused not only by allergies but also from a common cold. Humidifiers can also help to put back moisture in the air, which can ease the symptoms of an allergy cough. Take note that the same humidifiers might cause allergic reactions if the filters are not cleaned properly and regularly.
• Filter out irritants from the air – it is found that scented bathroom and perfumes can cause chronic sinus that might produce mucus leading to symptoms of an allergy cough. Cigarette smoke is one of the worst air irritants as it can eventually cause a smoker’s cough. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures and use air purifiers to filter out irritants from the air.