Unveiling the secrets of allergic cough: How to effectively treat and care for it?

Allergic cough is a cough symptom caused by allergens. When the human body is exposed to allergens (such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, air pollution, etc.), the immune system will produce an allergic reaction, resulting in irritation of the bronchial mucosa and chronic cough.

1. The overall symptoms of allergic cough include

No symptoms of cold or other respiratory infection, such as fever, sore throat, etc.;

The duration is generally more than one month and may be accompanied by other allergic symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itching, etc.

The cough usually develops or worsens after exposure to an allergen;

Itchy throat or foreign body sensation.

2. How to effectively treat and care for allergic cough

1. Avoid allergens: You can use an air purifier to filter out indoor allergens such as pollen and dust mites to reduce allergic reactions. Be sure to ensure that the air purifier filter is clean and replace the filter regularly according to the instructions. Regularly clean floors, furniture surfaces, walls and other hard-to-clean areas to reduce the accumulation of allergens such as dust mites and pollen. Bedding is a common accumulation of allergens and should be cleaned regularly. Including sheets, quilt covers, pillowcases, etc., it is best to choose hypoallergenic fabrics and wash them with hot water. If you are allergic to pet hair, try to avoid close contact with pets, or confine pets to specific areas. Regularly clean pet bedding, toys and feeding areas to reduce the spread of pet dander and allergens. When the pollen peak arrives, try to reduce outdoor activities, especially when it is windy. Change clothes and take a shower in time after returning home to wash off the pollen that has fallen on your body.

2. Drug treatment: Doctors may recommend the use of anti-allergic drugs, such as antihistamines: These drugs can relieve allergic symptoms such as cough, runny nose, and nasal congestion. Common antihistamines include Loratadine, Dexamethasone, and Cetirizine; Steroid drugs: These drugs can reduce inflammation and allergic reactions and are often used to treat severe allergic symptoms. Common steroid drugs include Beclomethasone and Budesonide; Bronchodilators: These drugs can dilate the bronchi, relieve cough and dyspnea, and are especially effective for cough symptoms caused by allergic asthma; Other drugs: Depending on the cause of allergic cough and the severity of symptoms, doctors may also recommend the use of other drugs, such as antibiotics, cough suppressants, and mucolytics. It should be noted that drug treatment should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor and used according to the doctor's advice and drug instructions. Do not adjust the dosage and time of medication without permission.

3. Bronchodilators: Bronchodilators are important drugs for the treatment of asthma and airway stenosis. They dilate airway smooth muscles to increase airway diameter, thereby relieving symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Bronchodilators are divided into short-acting and long-acting types:

Short-acting bronchodilators: such as salbutamol and terbutaline, which act quickly and can quickly relieve cough caused by acute asthma and airway narrowing.

Long-acting bronchodilators: such as salmeterol, formoterol, etc., have a long-lasting effect and can maintain bronchial dilation, effectively preventing asthma attacks and controlling the course of the disease.

4. Allergy immunotherapy: For severe and uncontrollable allergic cough, doctors may consider allergy immunotherapy, also known as "desensitization therapy" or "allergen immunotherapy". The treatment process usually takes several months to several years and includes two types: (1) Non-standardized allergen immunotherapy: Usually, allergen extracts are used on their own under the supervision of a doctor, which has high risks and unstable effects. (2) Standardized allergen immunotherapy: Doctors will tailor an immunization plan based on the patient's allergen type, severity, individual differences, etc., and gradually improve the body's tolerance to allergens by regularly exposing the patient to small doses of allergens. Since allergy immunotherapy takes a long time and has high requirements for allergen types and individual differences of patients, it must be treated under the guidance of a doctor.

5. Supplement airway moisturizing: Maintaining adequate water intake helps dilute mucus, reduce throat irritation, and relieve cough symptoms. In addition, water helps keep the respiratory tract moist, promotes the self-cleaning function of the respiratory tract, and reduces the frequency and severity of coughs. It is recommended to drink about 8 cups of water per day. In addition, dry air can easily irritate the respiratory tract, causing itchy and dry throats and increased coughing. Keeping indoor air moist by using a humidifier or placing a basin of water indoors can help relieve cough symptoms. It is recommended that indoor humidity be maintained in an appropriate range of 40% - 60%.

6. Pay attention to rest and reduce stress: Maintaining good living habits, adequate sleep and moderate exercise can improve the body's resistance and reduce allergic reactions and cough symptoms. At the same time, avoiding excessive fatigue and emotional tension will help maintain good health.

7. Dietary precautions: Avoid eating foods that are prone to allergic reactions, such as seafood, nuts, eggs, milk, etc. Increase the intake of foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids, such as citrus fruits, dark vegetables, fish, etc.

The views expressed in this article are personal. The treatment and care of allergic coughs need to be determined according to the specific condition and cause. The treatment plans for different patients are slightly different. Therefore, it is recommended that patients consult a doctor to develop a care plan. (Wang Lu, Lingshou County People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province)