Allergy Cough

An itchy, dry, persistent cough that lasts longer than 2 weeks could be caused by allergies1. Unlike a cough related to a cold that develops strongly for a few days and eases as you start to recover, a cough caused by an allergy can last for a much longer period of time2.

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a very common condition in South Africa, affecting approximately 10–30 % of adults and up to 40 % of children3,4. Allergies cause cold-like symptoms such as an itchy, scratchy dry throat, sneezing, runny nose or blocked nose and a continual need to cough2.

A cough associated with allergies and can last from days to even months, especially if you are in constant contact with allergy triggers2,5. Common triggers include pollen, grass, dust, pet dander and mould4,5.

Many individuals suffer from symptoms during specific times of the year, such as in spring when seasonal allergies are at their highest1,6. Other allergy sufferers, especially those allergic to pet dander, household dust, mould and certain chemical irritants1, can experience symptoms throughout the year3.

Avoiding these triggers while often difficult, is one way to avoid the frustrating symptoms of allergies2 and the persistent need to cough1.

Often, an antihistamine along with a cough syrup can provide welcome relief for those suffering from an allergic cough1,7,8.  Bronchostop is a natural cough range that relieves ANY COUGH, whether it’s a wet or a dry cough9-11*. The range includes traditional cough syrups and a cough pastille (soft lozenge) which dissolves in the mouth to relieve cough symptoms on-the-go9-11.  To learn more about the range click here https://bronchostop.co.za/#range

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about coughs that last for longer than 10 days, if the coughing is very painful or if you have any questions or concerns regarding your condition1.

DISCLAIMER: This editorial has been commissioned and brought to you by iNova Pharmaceuticals. Content in this editorial is for general information only and is not intended to provide medical or other professional advice.

Scheduling Status: S0 Proprietary name (and dosage form): Pholtex Bronchostop® Cough Syrup. Composition: Each 5 ml syrup contains: 39 mg Thyme herb extract and 277 mg Marshmallow root dry extract. Pharmacological Classification: Complementary Medicine: Discipline Specific Traditional Claims D33.6 Western Herbal Medicine. Scheduling Status: S0 Proprietary name (and dosage form): Pholtex Bronchostop® Cough Pastilles. Composition: Each pastille contains: 51.1 mg Thyme herb extract and 4.5 mg Marshmallow root dry extract. Pharmacological Classification: Complementary Medicine: Discipline Specific Traditional Claims D33.6 Western Herbal Medicine. Proprietary name (and dosage form): Pholtex Bronchostop® Children’s Cough Syrup. Composition: Each 5 ml syrup contains: 48 mg Marshmallow root dry extract and 250 mg Honey. These unregistered medicines have not been evaluated by the SAHPRA for their quality, safety or intended use. For full prescribing information, refer to the individual professional information or instructions for use. Further information is available on request from iNova Pharmaceuticals.

Name and business address of applicant: iNova Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Limited. Co. Reg. No.1952/001640/07, 15E Riley Road, Bedfordview. Tel. No. 011 087 0000. www.inovapharma.co.za. Further information is available on request from iNova Pharmaceuticals. For more information, speak to your healthcare professional. IN4127/21

References:

  1. Medical News Today? What is a hay fever cough? (2018) at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321182.php#outlook (website accessed on 28 January 2021)
  2. American College of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology. Coughs -Signs of Allergies (2014) at https://acaai.org/allergies/allergy-symptoms/cough (website accessed on 28 January 2021)
  3. Allergy Foundation South Africa – Allergies (2018) at http://www.allergyfoundation.co.za/allergy-and-immunology/allergy/ (Website accessed on 28 February 2021).
  4. Allergy Foundation South Africa – Allergic rhinitis (2018) at https://www.allergyfoundation.co.za/patient-information/en/allergic-diseases/allergic-rhinitis/ Website accessed on 28 February 2021.
  5. Web MD. Is it a common cold or allergies? (2019) at https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/common-cold-or-allergy-symptoms (website accessed on 28 January 2021)
  6. Egan, M and Bunyavanich, S. Allergic rhinitis: the “Ghost Diagnosis” in patients with asthma. Asthma Research and Practice (2015) at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5142399/pdf/40733_2015_Article_8.pdf (website accessed on 28 January 2021)
  7. Consolini DM. Cough in Children. Merck Manual Professional Version (2020) at https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/pediatrics/symptoms-in-infants-and-children/cough-in-children#v1082900 (website accessed on 28 January 2021)
  8. Fried MP. Nasal Congestion and Rhinorrhea. Merck Manual Professional Version (2020) at https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders/approach-to-the-patient-with-nasal-and-pharyngeal-symptoms/nasal-congestion-and-rhinorrhea (website accessed on 28 January 2021)).
  9. Pholtex Bronchostop® Cough Syrup professional information, September 2019.
  10. Pholtex Bronchostop® Cough Pastilles professional information, September 2019.
  11. Pholtex Bronchostop® Children’s Cough Instructions for use, February 2019.