Hidden Environmental Triggers of Cough in Your Surroundings

From a protective cough to an unexplained problem

Cough is a protective reaction (reflex) of the airways but can become a disease when this reflex is dysregulated. At times when the known causes of cough have been excluded, a group of patients with unexplained cough remains.

What could be the reason for this?

Do you know what triggers dry cough?

A distinct form of chronic cough has been identified in some people, where the cough reflex (reaction) becomes unusually sensitive. Cough is often triggered by everyday environmental allergens such as strong smells, cold air, smoke, chemicals, and scents in these patients.

More than 60% of patients with chronic cough report that coughing could be induced by environmental allergens.

Chemical sensitivity cough shows symptoms from the eyes, nose, and lungs, as well as headaches and fatigue.

Given below are the factors that can be the possible causes of cough and how it presents.

• The type of trigger
• How strong it is
• How long you are exposed to it
• Your individual health (age and existing medical conditions)

Environmental triggers to look for

Nonoccupational Environmental Causes of Cough

• Allergens - dust mite, animal or cockroach allergens, fungi and pollen
• Irritant agents - cigarette smoke, tobacco smoke, indoor biomass
• Other factors – dampness, perfume, fungal components, talking or eating, cold air
• Air pollutants - traffic, particulate matter, nitrogen oxides

Occupational causes

• Occupational dust and gas
• Metals - cobalt, Beryllium
• Sealed office buildings - psychosocial stress, temperature/humidity control complaints, poor building maintenance, and volatile organic compound exposures

Treatment for dry cough

You can't prevent a cough, but you can lower the chances of getting sick in the first place.

Self-care Outdoors:

Wear a mask at:

• Crowded areas
• On public transport
• Waiting to see your doctor

Self-care Indoors:

• Good ventilation, clean filtered air in a room.
• Open doors and windows to allow a good flow of air.
• Use an air purifier to lower the spread of the virus.

Stay aware and protect yourself from everyday triggers and breathe with confidence.