How to treat a bad cough that comes every change of weather

I get this cough every March or April and Sptember or October.  It lasts for 4 weeks, I have been getting it since I was 17.  I get the same cough medicine how can I prevent this or shorten this horrible 4 weeks of coughing.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

You seem to be having pollen hay fever or allergic rhinitis. Most pollens are windborne; they can often blow indoors (typically through open windows and doors) and trigger allergic symptoms such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever) within your home, not just outdoors. Wind-pollinated trees, grasses, and weeds produce pollen during various times of the year.

Diagnosis is done by skin testing. A diluted extract of each kind of pollen is applied to a scratch or puncture made on your arm or back or injected under your skin. With a positive reaction, a small, raised, reddened area with a surrounding flush (called a wheal and flare) will appear at the test site. Confirmatory tests is by blood tests (RAST).

Remain indoors when the outdoor pollen levels are highest like windy days. You can also use a pollen and dust mask. Use a clothes dryer instead of hanging the wash outside, where it acts as a filter trap for pollen. Make sure to clean and replace your air conditioner and air cleaner filters regularly. Also effective are various types of air-filtering devices, which can be added to the heating and cooling systems in the home.

You can take OTC anthistaminics like benadryl or zyrtec.You can also use some nasal decongestants but use them for a few days only because frequent or prolonged use can lead to a "rebound phenomenon", in which the initial effect of shrinking the nasal passages is followed by increased swelling and congestion. Corticosteroids and bronchodilators can also be used. You can also use saline nasal sprays or steam inhalation at home.

Another effective agent that is available by prescription is cromolyn sodium. In severe cases, Immunotherapy is advised.

Hope I have provided you with sufficient information. In case you need any more then pls post us.

Take care and God bless.