I have had a cough for the past 7 months which gets worse at night. Accompanied by runny nose and watery eyes

Question

I do have 2 long hair cats (had them for 5 years). However, I think this is all due to allergies (even tho I've never had in past - I'm 54). Sometimes at night I wake up 2-3 times every hour with a cough that doesn't stop unless I drink some cold water and blow my nose. I also was unable to have my windows open this fall because I would start to cough. I think that I've gradually developed various allergies possibly originating from having cats. I'm very frustrated and don't want to give my cats away but I'm becoming concerned about all this constant coughing. Please help.

I do have 2 long hair cats and yes, I'm probably allergic to their dander and then have developed additional allergies because of this. My Dr. put me on singulair which helped some, I added Benedryl but had to take another one every 4 hours, so now I'm on a 24 hour allergy med (OTC). It has helped some, but I'm still getting up 1-2 times every house with my cough. Any addl recommendations?

I do have 2 long hair cats and yes, I'm probably allergic to their dander and then have developed additional allergies because of this. My Dr. put me on singulair which helped some, I added Benedryl but had to take another one every 4 hours, so now I'm on a 24 hour allergy med (OTC). It has helped some, but I'm still getting up 1-2 times every hour with my cough. Any addl recommendations?

I do have 2 long hair cats and yes, I'm probably allergic to their dander and then have developed additional allergies because of this. My Dr. put me on singulair which helped some, I added Benedryl but had to take another one every 4 hours, so now I'm on a 24 hour allergy med (OTC). It has helped some, but I'm still getting up 1-2 times every hour with my cough. Any addl recommendations?

Answer 1

You should see an allergy specialist.

The fact that it gets worse at night leads me to believe you are allergic to dust mites. They are microscopic little creatures that love bedding. It also sounds to me like your allergy is pretty severe. I'm allergic to dust mites and my only problem has been a little snoring. I take Clariton at night to help fight it.

By any chance, did you by a new pillow around the same time the coughing started? That could be your source. There are pillows specially made for people with allergies.

Answer 2

Croupe! Croupe is going around right now. My doctor said to either crack open u'r window a little or actually, dress them up in their winter coats and take him outside for a walk. The cold weather helps. If u have a newer crib (mine has a flat board instead of the string) move it up at one end or use a blanket or pillow under the mattress evenly...it too will help. One twin has croupe right now.

Answer 3

How about giving the cats to someone for a week or so. Have the ducts in your house cleaned because because besides pet dander there can be mold which is very dangerous. You should purchase an ionizer and keep it running in your bedroom.
We did all this for my Mom although she didn't have cats the previous house owner had several dogs.
She also takes an over the counter generic allergy pill every so often. Her nose would run non stop in the morning prior to doing these tips I'm suggesting to you.

Answer 4

Maybe loratadine (which is the generic for claritin) would help. My daughter takes it. It is very affordable ($12 for 300 at Costco, or try Walmart) I agree with seeing a doctor, I wonder if the allergies are inducing asthma. You could consider getting an dust-mite proof cover for your mattress and pillow.

Answer 5

Your cough could be caused from drainage from your sinus cavities irritating your throat and bronchial tubes. An over the counter nasal spray might help thin out the mucus so it isn't so irritating. Also an anti histamine might help if you think it is allergy related. Benedryl is available over the counter and should help relieve some of your symptoms. If your symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

Answer 6

Keep your cats out of your bedroom and get an air purifier. You may ask your doctor to prescribe you some Flonase to take before bed. It is a nasal spray that works wonders.
Hope this help and you can still keep your kitties!

Answer 7

Cough is caused by a number of ailments.
It can be treated by over the counter medicines
or home remedies. More information available
at http://ailments.in/cough.html

Answer 8

Go see a doctor if you want to know exactly what your allergic to. If you want to treat it, take claratin or its generic equalivent. Use NasalCrom or Vasanase nasal spray. The sprays will take about two weeks to be fully effective.

Answer 9

you should probrably go to your doctor and get a blood test. that will tell you if you are allergic to the cats, or if it's something else. i hope this helps...

Answer 10

you can develop allergies to anything at any time in your life, and I think that your cats could be some of the problem, but probably not all of it. to get to the bottom of the problem I highly suggest that you see an allergist. I take an allergy shot every week, and even though it's expensive, and not all that pleasant, it's worth it!
just let me say that you DO NOT have to give up your cats. the allergist will do a number of tests to figure out what you're allergic to, and if indeed cat is one of the problems, the allergist can put the very thing you're allergic to into an extract and gradually desensitize you to it by administering allergy shots. you might be able to get by with taking them as little as four times a year. but it would be worth it. and anything else you test positive to can be added into your extract such as pollens, molds, grasses, etc.
I tried singulair, and it didn't help me at all. I recommend asking your dr. for Pulmicort. it's an inhaled steroid, and it will really stop that cough and you'll be able to rest again. I also recommend asking your dr. to prescribe Allegra instead of using Benadryl. you can use the twice a day kind, or the one a day kind. Allegra is a very good anti-histamine. one other recommendation is getting a bottle of childrens liquid benadryl and using it to gargle with when the cough starts. DO NOT swallow it, gargle and then spit it out. it will help. my allergist has had me doing that for years.
I sincerely hope this has helped you out, and I hope you start resting better very soon.