Allergies affect millions of Americans each year. From seasonal allergies to year-round allergies, the symptoms can impact your daily life. You may wonder, can allergies cause coughing? Below, you will find the answer to this question and more information about allergy symptoms and the most effective allergy treatment options.
Can Allergies Cause Coughing?
Allergies come with several unwanted symptoms, including coughing. When your body comes into contact with an allergen, it triggers an immune response. Your body interprets allergens as threats, and this results in the release of histamines. Histamines are intended to fight off the allergen. However, they can cause inflammation in the airways and lead to coughing.
Coughing also occurs because allergies irritate your throat and airways. A common symptom of allergies is postnasal drip, which plays a major role in coughing. Allergens cause your nose to produce extra mucus. The extra mucus drips down the back of the throat, which triggers coughing. This type of cough is often persistent and can continue if you are constantly exposed to allergens.
Other Common Allergy Symptoms
Allergies can cause a wide range of symptoms. Coughing is common, but several other symptoms can impact you if you experience allergies. The severity of the symptoms depends on the type of allergen, the amount of exposure, and your body’s natural reaction. Without treatment from an allergy specialist, these symptoms can impact your quality of life. Below are some of the most common allergy symptoms.
Nasal Symptoms
Congestion
Allergies can cause nasal congestion, which occurs when allergens trigger inflammation inside the nasal passages. The swelling can block the airways and lead to a stuffy nose and sinus pressure, in turn making it much harder to breathe.
Runny Nose
A runny nose is a highly common symptom associated with allergies. Allergens cause your body to produce extra mucus when they enter the nose. The mucus is intended to flush out the allergens. However, it also causes a runny nose and results in sniffling and constant nose blowing.
Sneezing
Most people associate sneezing with allergies, as it is a very common symptom. When irritants enter the nose, this triggers sneezing. Sneezing is another way the body tries to get rid of allergens.
Eye Symptoms
Redness and Swelling
People with allergies often suffer from red and swollen eyes. The swelling is caused by increased blood flow to the area because your body is working exceptionally hard to fight off allergens.
Itchy Eyes
Allergic reactions lead to itchy eyes, which occur when allergens irritate the thin membrane that covers your eyes. The body responds by releasing histamines that cause inflammation. This inflammation then leads to itchy eyes that water and become red or painful.
Throat and Mouth Symptoms
Itchy Throat
Itchiness in the throat is a common allergy symptom. Allergens can impact the soft tissues in the throat and even the inner ear. These symptoms can lead to excessive itching and discomfort.
Mouth Swelling
Some people with allergies experience swelling in the lips or tongue. Swelling in these areas is referred to as oral allergy syndrome and is commonly caused by an allergy to pollen. This allergy most often occurs when your body mistakes proteins in fruits and vegetables for pollen. This mistake triggers a mild allergic reaction after eating produce such as apples, carrots, melons, or celery.
Skin Symptoms
Hives
Hives are an allergic reaction that leaves your skin with raised, red, and itchy welts. They are caused by the release of histamine when your body is exposed to allergens. The release of histamine leads to swelling and irritation. Hives can be extremely uncomfortable and last anywhere from a few minutes to hours.
Eczema
Eczema is a skin condition also referred to as atopic dermatitis. It is a chronic condition that causes red, dry, and scaly patches. Allergens can trigger flare-ups. However, they can also arise due to stress or irritants in household products.
Respiratory Symptoms
Shortness of Breath
A severe allergic reaction can lead to shortness of breath, which is common among those with asthma. Allergens can trigger an attack, which makes breathing really difficult. In severe cases, immediate medical attention is necessary.
Wheezing
When allergies cause inflammation or narrowing of the airways, it can cause wheezing. Wheezing sounds like whistling or a squeaky sound when you breathe, which can make it harder to breathe and lead to shortness of breath.
Chest Tightness
Another common allergy symptom that is often coupled with wheezing or shortness of breath is chest tightness. This symptom is often associated with allergic asthma, which occurs when allergens trigger inflammation in the lungs. This effect can be dangerous, so it is important to seek medical attention.
Digestive Symptoms
Vomiting or Diarrhea
Food allergies commonly cause nausea and vomiting. These reactions occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies certain foods as threats. In addition, diarrhea is another common reaction to food allergies. Diarrhea is the body’s way of eliminating the allergen from the digestive system.
Abdominal Pain
Cramping and abdominal pain are also common among those who have an allergy to certain foods. Your immune system response can lead to inflammation in the digestive tract, which can cause abdominal pain or discomfort.
Severe Allergy Symptoms
Allergies are common, as roughly fifty million Americans experience allergies annually. Common allergies are seasonal or year-round allergies. Mild to moderate allergy symptoms can be effectively managed with a treatment plan. However, some people experience several allergy symptoms, which is referred to as anaphylaxis. This symptom is rare but can be life-threatening.
Common symptoms of anaphylaxis include shortness of breath, wheezing, hives, and swelling of the throat. Other symptoms include a sudden drop in blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, or a rapid or weak pulse. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is necessary to get immediate medical attention right away.
Types of Allergies
There are several different types of allergies. They can each be effectively managed with treatment from an allergy specialist. The type of treatment depends on the type of allergy you have, the severity of your reaction, and your triggers. Below are some of the common types of allergies and their respective triggers.
Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies are common in the spring, summer, or fall, though this depends on the person and their unique allergic triggers. Outdoor allergens trigger seasonal allergies. Spring allergies are commonly caused by tree pollen. Summer allergies are often caused by grass pollen. Fall allergies are often caused by weed pollen. Common treatments include over-the-counter or prescription medication. It is also helpful to improve indoor air quality and check pollen forecasts before going outdoors.
Year-Round Allergies
Year-round allergies are common all the time and do not follow a seasonal pattern. They are caused by indoor allergens. Common causes include dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and cockroach droppings. Over-the-counter and prescription medications are common treatment options. However, it is important to improve indoor air quality and remove allergens from your home. Use HEPA filters to remove airborne allergens, wash your bedding in hot water weekly, and vacuum often. Keeping your indoor space as clean as possible can improve allergy symptoms.
Food Allergies
Food allergies are highly common and can vary widely depending on the person. A food allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies a food protein as harmful. Common allergies include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, dairy, eggs, wheat, and soy. Food allergy symptoms can vary widely and be life-threatening in some cases. The very best way to reduce the risk of a reaction is to avoid the food. However, many people carry EpiPens or other medication for severe reactions. It is important to work with an allergy specialist to create an effective treatment plan.
Skin Allergies
Skin allergies occur when the skin reacts to certain allergens. Allergic reactions often include itchiness, redness, swelling, hives, or cracked skin. Common triggers include fabrics, chemicals, plants, or skin care products. Prescribed topical or oral medications can improve symptoms. However, it is best to avoid triggers if possible. An allergy specialist can help you identify the triggers. If you do have a reaction, avoid scratching or touching the area.
When To See An Allergy Specialist
If your allergies are affecting your daily life, it is important to see an allergy specialist. Sometimes, over-the-counter medications can help. However, in the vast majority of cases, it is more effective to get treatment from a medical professional. They can provide you with effective treatment that saves you time and money in the long run. Below are common signs that indicate you need to see an allergy specialist.
Long-Lasting Symptoms
If your allergy symptoms last longer than a week, it is time to see a specialist. Persistent allergy symptoms left untreated can leave you feeling fatigued and sick. Many people mistake their allergies for the cold or flu. However, symptoms of the cold and flu only last so long. Treatment can help identify your trigger to eliminate your symptoms.
Frequent Breathing Issues
Sinus infections or other breathing issues can make daily life unbearable. Chronic allergies can actually cause sinus infections, headaches, shortness of breath, and postnasal drip. If you experience this, seek treatment from an allergy specialist. They can determine which allergens are triggering the issue and create a customized treatment plan for you.
Food Sensitivities or Reactions
Allergies can impact your digestive system and make you feel unwell. If you notice that you react to eating certain foods, it is best to consult with an allergy specialist. They can test you to determine what foods are causing you trouble. Food allergies are commonly overlooked, and people just deal with the symptoms. However, this can cause both short- and long-term issues. It can make you feel fatigued and uncomfortable at times. However, long-term inflammation caused by food allergies can wreak havoc on your immune system and overall health.
Overuse of Over-the-Counter Medication
Over-the-counter medications are great for addressing short-term issues. However, allergies require treatment from an allergy specialist. Overuse and reliance on over-the-counter medications can lead to unwanted side effects. They can also make your allergy symptoms worse over time. They can cause stress on your liver and kidneys, increase blood pressure, cause drowsiness, and even lead to rebound symptoms. Avoid this by working with a skilled and experienced allergy specialist.
Allergy Treatment Options
If your allergies are affecting your daily life for more than a week, it is time to contact an allergy specialist. An allergist can complete a comprehensive allergy evaluation that will likely include discussing your medical history and your symptoms. If you can, keep a diary of your symptoms to bring to this appointment for reference. It can help your allergist understand your unique allergy experience. The allergist will also ask about your lifestyle habits, home environment, and exposure to allergens.
After the comprehensive evaluation, the allergist may perform some allergy testing, such as skin prick tests, blood tests, or patch tests. A skin prick test involves placing a small amount of an allergen under your skin with a tiny needle to see if a reaction occurs. A blood test measures the levels of allergy-related antibodies in your bloodstream. Lastly, a patch test is used to detect contact allergies by applying the allergen to the skin.
Once your triggers have been identified, your allergy specialist will create a customized treatment plan. This plan may include prescription medications, allergy shots, or more advanced treatments. Lifestyle factors also play a major part in your treatment plan. Factors to keep in mind may include how you clean your home to improve indoor air quality, the types of products you use, and even your diet. The treatment plan depends on your unique triggers and symptoms. Working with a skilled and experienced allergy specialist can help you get back to feeling like yourself again.
Allergy Specialist
Leaving allergies untreated can impact your overall quality of life. Avoid these effects by scheduling an appointment with an allergy specialist. They can assess your symptoms, diagnose your allergies, and provide you with an effective, personalized treatment plan. If you are concerned that you have allergies, contact Dr. Shukla today to schedule a consultation!
