MILWAUKEE, March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- If you have seasonal allergies, you may notice a lingering cough that won't go away this spring. Cough is a common symptom of seasonal allergies such as allergic rhinitis (hayfever). In fact, cough is the most common respiratory symptom for which patients seek medical attention, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).
Allergens that trigger seasonal allergies are often common, usually harmless substances such as pollen, mold spores, animal dander, dust, foods, insect venoms and medications. Cough is a way that the body clears particles such as allergens and secretions from the airways.
In children, cough is divided into acute cough, lasting one to two weeks, and chronic cough, lasting more than four weeks.
Causes of cough can include: -- Viral upper respiratory tract infections -- Nasal and sinus disease -- Stomach and esophageal problems such as GERD -- An inhaled foreign body -- "Habit" -- Environmental irritants Treatment
Coughing does not always mean there is a problem. Usually, a simple daytime cough after viral respiratory infections requires no specific treatment, particularly if it resolves in one or two weeks. However, coughing at night after going to sleep is almost always abnormal and needs medical attention.
"Cough is a symptom with a variety of causes," said Pramod S. Kelkar, MD, and chair of the AAAAI's Cough Committee. "The best treatment for cough is to identify the cause or causes and treat them. This generally requires a thorough history, physical examination and in some cases selected testing. The good news is that the relief is possible in almost all patients."
Patients should contact a doctor if a cough changes in character, trial therapy shows no signs of reducing the cough, you begin to cough up blood and/or the cough interferes with the activities of daily living or sleep.
When to see an allergy/asthma specialist
The AAAAI's How the Allergist/Immunologist Can Help: Consultation and Referral Guidelines Citing the Evidence provide information to assist patients and health care professionals in determining when a patient may need consultation or ongoing specialty care by the allergist/immunologist. Patients should see an allergist/immunologist if they:
-- Have a cough that lasts 3-8 weeks or more. -- Have a cough that coexists with asthma. -- Have coexisting chronic cough and nasal symptoms. -- Have a chronic cough and tobacco use or exposure.
To find an allergist/immunologist in your area or to learn more about allergies and asthma, call the AAAAI's Physician Referral and Information Line at (800) 822-2762 or visit the AAAAI Web site at http://www.aaaai.org .
The AAAAI is the largest professional medical specialty organization in the United States representing allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic disease. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has more than 6,300 members in the United States, Canada and 60 other countries. The AAAAI serves as an advocate to the public by providing educational information through its Web site at http://www.aaaai.org .
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and ImmunologyCONTACT: Karen Janka, kjanka@aaaai.org , or Natalie Lemke,nlemke@aaaai.org , both of AAAAI, +1-414-272-6071
Web site: http://www.aaaai.org/
