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What to Do for Allergies That Cause You to Sneeze & Cough?

Allergies occur in response to specific allergic triggers. Each person has his own set of unique triggers, as well as reactions. One of the most common reactions is hay fever or allergic rhinitis. This respiratory condition causes increased inflammation, which can lead to congestion and bring about symptoms such as sneezing and coughing. Understanding the cause of your allergy symptoms is key in knowing how to treat them.

  1. Get Tested

    • If your sneezing and coughing are getting the best of you, it's important to find out what is causing them. There are many triggers that can cause a hay fever type of reaction. Some of the most common are pollens, molds and pet dander. In order to pinpoint your allergic trigger, visit an allergist. A skin test is one of the best ways to determine what your allergies are. This effective test provides immediate results. By placing various allergen extracts on your back or arm, a raised bump can tell your allergist quickly what you are allergic to, as well as the severity.

    Prevention

    • Although avoiding triggers completely may seem impossible, there are many ways you can help lessen their potency. For indoor prevention, be sure to use HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters on vacuums, air purifiers and air conditioners. These are key in helping to remove the micro-sized allergens floating in your home. If you are allergic to dust mites and pet dander, try covering your bed with a mattress encasing. If pets are in the home, try to limit them to one room of the house, and bathe them regularly with special shampoos to help keep dander under control. For severe allergies, you may want to consider removing any carpet and replacing it with flooring, as many allergens tend to build up in carpets and can be difficult to remove. For outdoor allergies, it's a good idea to check pollen and mold counts in your area. If they are high, try to schedule activities for indoors, and limit your time outside.

    Medications

    • You may need medication to combat your allergies. Depending on the severity of your reactions, there are many effective over-the-counter and prescription medications available. Two of the most common are antihistamines and decongestants. Antihistamines combat histamine, which is a chemical in your body that creates inflammation during an allergic response. Decongestants help relieve congestion. For sneezing and coughing, take both medications orally--at the first sign of symptoms, as it can take up to 30 minutes before you feel any relief. Be aware of any side effects that you may feel; increased drowsiness, jitters or worsening of symptoms are signs to call your doctor before continuing treatment. If symptoms become severe and you become short of breath, seek medical attention immediately.

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