Is allergic coughing common in babies?
Allergic Cough in Infants
Allergic cough in infants is relatively common in clinical settings, manifesting as coughing symptoms following exposure to allergens. The allergens that trigger allergic cough are diverse, encompassing pollen, dust mites, animal fur, nuts, as well as cold air and irritant odors.
Common Causes:
Pollen and Dust Mites: Infants' immune systems are not fully developed, making them susceptible to external allergens like pollen and dust mites. Their airways are also sensitive, and inhaling these allergens can stimulate airway spasms, leading to coughing.
Animal Fur: Pets such as cats, dogs, and various birds may carry allergens. Infants' delicate skin is prone to allergic reactions, causing coughing symptoms.
Nuts: Nuts like walnuts and hazelnuts, if consumed excessively, can cause skin allergies or gastrointestinal irritation due to their high oil content. Excessive intake may disrupt gastrointestinal function, leading to diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Cold Air: Inhaling cold air can stimulate airway spasms, causing coughing.
Irritant Odors: Gases like sulfur dioxide and ammonia, if inhaled frequently, can irritate respiratory mucosa, triggering coughing.
Treatment Methods:
Avoidance of Allergens: If allergic cough is caused by allergens, efforts should be made to avoid them to prevent symptom worsening or recurrence. For instance, stay away from pollen and dust mites in daily life.
Medication: Administer cough suppressants like Compound Pholcodine Oral Solution as prescribed. Antihistamines like Loratadine and Cetirizine can also be given. In severe cases, nebulization therapy may be used to alleviate symptoms.
