A cough is a reflex action that clears your airway of irritants and mucus. There are two types of cough: wet and dry. A wet (productive) cough produces phlegm or mucus, clearing it from the lungs. A nonproductive cough, also known as a dry cough, doesn’t produce phlegm or mucus.99
An allergy is a condition in which a person’s immune system overreacts to something that is usually harmless.
One symptom of an allergy is a cough. This is often the result of irritation and inflammation in the airways. Some of the common triggers that may cause an allergy cough include animal dander, urine, saliva, dust mites and cockroaches
An allergic cough can occur from a reaction in the upper respiratory system, lower respiratory system, or both.100
Seasonal bronchitis that can affect people of all ages and is more common during winter.101
Taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications: Allergy medicines, such as antihistamines, nasal sprays, and decongestants, can help reduce the inflammation and mucus production that can lead to a cough.
Using a humidifier or inhaling steam from a shower: Humidifiers can help clear congestion and soothe throat irritation.
Using an air purifier: A high-quality air purifier can help reduce the number of allergens and irritants in the air inside a person’s home or office space.
Taking prescription medications: Nasal sprays and antihistamines can help alleviate an allergic cough affecting the upper respiratory tract. Inhalers are usually needed to treat an allergic cough affecting the lower airways.100
Expectorants and mucolytics are medications that thin the mucus and make it less sticky. This makes it easier for people to cough it up. They work best for people who have seasonal wet cough but are having difficulty getting the phlegm up.
Wear extra layers of clothes to keep yourself warm
Maintain hygiene
Moisturize frequently
Avoid consuming cold water
Avoid Hot water bath
Eat a healthy diet.102
Expectorants and mucolytics: These are usually prescribed for a wet or productive cough. They work by thinning the mucus in the air passages to make it easier to cough up the mucus and clear the airways. Try Mucosolvan Syrup for wet cough.
Decongestants: These are used to clear a stuffy nose and treat a cough which is caused by the mucus dripping back into the throat. They can only be used to clear up the airways if your nose is blocked or if your cough is due to a post-nasal drip in order to help you sleep comfortably.
Antihistamines: These are anti-allergy medicines and work only if your cough is due to allergies which affect your nose and throat. These work by blocking the release of histamines, which are produced by our body as a reaction to allergens. Antihistamines can only help with allergic reactions (not allergy itself) like cough, watery eyes, and sneezing.
Combination medicines: Some cough syrups combine expectorants with decongestants and an antihistamine. Sometimes a pain reliever may also be included. This type of combination is typically used for treating a range of symptoms such as cold congestion, cough, and body aches. However, since these medicines are a combination of anti-cough formulations, using them may make you end up taking unnecessary medicines.
Topical applications: Ointments containing camphor or menthol are often rubbed on the chest or back to get relief from cough and cold.103
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