During seasonal changes, many people experience a cough that can sometimes last for several days. If the cough is caused by allergies, it is not a serious concern; however, if it is due to an illness, appropriate treatment must be sought as soon as possible.
To determine whether the cough is related to allergies or is a sign of any ailment, specialists spoke with a doctor. Dr. Saurabh Gupta from the Internal Medicine Department at Manipal Hospital in Ghaziabad provided information on this topic.
He noted that in October and November, the problem of coughing can worsen due to weather changes, increased cold, and deteriorating air quality. Although most people tend to associate this cough with a cold, it can actually be caused by allergies, environmental pollution, or some disease. However, it can be difficult for ordinary people to understand whether the cough is caused by the change of season or by allergies. There are specific ways to identify this.
If the cough is allergic, it occurs upon contact with fine dust particles or pollutants. Symptoms may include throat irritation, sneezing, runny nose, and a dry cough. With a viral infection, in addition to coughing, signs such as fever, sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue may be observed.
If the cough is caused by an illness, it is accompanied by phlegm. The cough may intensify at night, and in some cases, breathing difficulties may occur. Therefore, every form of cough is unique, and it is crucial to pay attention to its symptoms.
To understand the cause of the cough, it is necessary to consider how long it lasts, whether it is dry or productive, and whether any other accompanying symptoms are present. Information about how often a person comes into contact with dust, smoke, or pollution will also help the doctor correctly determine the cause.
A cough should not be ignored if it persists for several weeks, progresses over time, or is accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, high fever, or blood in the sputum. In such situations, consulting a doctor is strongly recommended.
Dr. Saurabh Gupta explains that if the cough is caused by a viral infection, it usually goes away on its own within a few days. For allergies, the doctor prescribes appropriate medications, and if the cause lies in some disease, diagnostics and corresponding treatment for that ailment are carried out.
People are advised not to take cough medicine without consulting a specialist, especially avoiding the use of antibiotics, as this can be harmful. Treatment should only be conducted after the exact cause has been established. If the cough lasts more than three to five days, one should contact a doctor.
