Cough is the most common symptom for a variety of diseases, including allergy, sore throat, flu, cold, and even Covid-19. So between allergy cough vs. Covid cough, how can you tell them apart?
Allergy Cough vs. Covid Cough: What You Should Know
Allergy Cough Vs. Covid Cough: Symptoms
Allergy cough usually happens when you experience a certain kind of allergy from pollutants such as smoke, exhaust fumes, dust, or irritants like pollen and mold. These allergens get into your body and result in inflammation in your respiratory system causing your cough. Besides cough, your allergy symptoms usually go with:
- Skin irritation (red rash)
- Sneezing, itchy, runny, or itchy nose
- Nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea
- Itchy, red, or watering eyes
- Chest tightness
- Swollen body parts (lips, eyes, nose, tongue, or even face)
- Shortness of breath
Though Covid-19 share a handful of symptoms with allergy, there are some different ones, including:
- Chills/ fever
- Body and muscle aches
- Loss of appetite
- Loss of smell or taste
- Difficulty breathing
However, one of the major differences between allergy cough vs. covid cough is that while allergy coughs are wet, covid cough is dry. Meaning that allergy cough is productive as it helps you clear out of the allergens causing you these allergic reactions, while covid cough is unproductive as it doesn’t bring up any mucus or phlegm.
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Allergy Cough Vs. Covid Cough: Causes
An allergy develops as the immune system misidentifies a naturally harmless material as a deadly invader. The immune system then generates antibodies that are constantly on the lookout for the same allergen. When you are exposed to the allergen again, these antibodies will release various immune system chemicals, such as histamine, and cause allergy symptoms.
These are some of the common allergy triggers:
- Medications (penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics)
- Airborne allergens such as dust mites, pollen, animal dander, mold
- Certain foods like shellfish, tree nuts, soy, dairy products, peanuts
- Latex or other substances
The cause of Covid-19 is from the infection of the new Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (also known as SARS-CoV-2 or coronavirus for short). It is highly contagious, as it can spread through airborne droplets or any close contact with the infected person. These droplets can easily land in the eyes, nose, mouth or be inhaled by a person within two meters or six feet).
Coronaviruses are widespread in certain animal species, such as cattle and camels. While coronavirus transmission from animals to humans is uncommon, according to a reliable source, this new strain is most likely derived from bats. Still, one analysis indicates pangolins could be the source.
Allergy Cough Vs. Covid Cough: Treatment
It can be tough for you to notice and keep track of an allergy cough, especially during the midst of a virus outbreak, so it’s handy to have a tool to help you do it.
Hyfe was able to develop a health app for your mobile devices, which applies artificial intelligence technology to medical use. It recognizes, identifies, and records your cough every time it occurs; then, all the related data is sorted and stored in the app so you or your health care providers can easily access it.
In addition, you should try your best to avoid the triggers even when you’re having your symptoms treated. You can also try over-the-counter allergy medications in the supermarket, drugstore, but it’s best to have a chat with your doctor beforehand.
While the vaccine for COVID-19 is being distributed, one of the best things you can do right now is strictly following the social distancing or stay-at-home restrictions from the government. This is not only good for you but your family and everyone around you. Besides, you can also follow these recommendations from public health officials:
- Regularly wash your hands
- Wear a face mask or cover when going out and in public places
- Stay at least six feet or two meters away from others
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the symptoms above
Allergy cough vs. Covid cough, though there are some stand-out symptoms, it can be tough to tell them apart as they have many similar symptoms. That’s why it’s always good to take good care of your body and notice anything different.
By implementing cutting-edge technology into the medical field, Hyfe App has created an application on your mobile device that records, keeps track of, and monitors your health every time you cough. This gives you a better insight into your coughing, which can be helpful, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. Try it out now!
Have you tried health tracking apps? What was your experience? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!