Is Your Chronic Cough Really Just an Allergy?

Fast Facts

• Allergies can be a cause of a persistent cough, but they are not the only cause.
• Other causes of cough include asthma, acid reflux, infections, smoking and irritation of the airways.
• Allergies can cause sneezing, itchy eyes, post-nasal drip.
• Chronic cough in adults is defined as a cough of 8 weeks duration.
• Seek medical help if your cough does not go away, gets worse or makes it difficult to breathe.

Introduction

Weeks of coughing and thinking it’s just an allergy?

Coughing may also be caused by allergies, especially if mucus drips down the throat. But a persistent cough is also associated with asthma, acid reflux, infections, smoking or other respiratory conditions.

‘If your cough doesn’t go away you need to find out why.

How Allergies Lead to Coughing

Allergens like dust, pollen or pet dander can irritate the nose and airways.

This can lead to:

• Cough
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Watery or itchy eyes
• Post-nasal drip
• Throat irritation
• Long-lasting cough

Signs Your Cough May Be More Than Just An Allergy

Shortness of Breath or Wheeze

Wheezing cough, chest tightness or shortness of breath can be associated with asthma or another airway condition.

Acid Reflux or Heartburn

Heartburn isn’t always obvious, but acid reflux can still irritate the throat and cause a chronic cough.

Chronic Mucus

You might have sinus problems or postnasal drip if you have a stuffy nose, constant mucus or throat clearing.

Tobacco or Irritant Air

Cigarette smoke, pollution, dust and chemicals at work can irritate airways and keep a cough going.

Other causes of a chronic cough

Associated with a persistent cough:

• Asthma,
• Reflux acid
• Post nasal drip
• Breathing infections
• Tobacco use
• Exposure to air pollution or chemicals
• Some medicines
• Additional lung diseases

Because of the overlap of symptoms, a proper medical evaluation may be required.

When to see a doctor

If you have: contact a health professional

• Cough of 3 weeks or longer
• A chronic cough
• Wheezing or trouble breathing
• Constant mucus or irritation in the throat
• Weight loss or fever with no explanation
• Cough that disrupts sleep or day-to-day activities

When Is It An Emergency?

If you do: Go to the nearest emergency room.

• Severe trouble breathing
• Heart pains
• Spitting up blood
• Rapid progression of symptoms
• Dizziness or severe weakness

What Can You Do

• Stay away from allergy triggers you know about.
• Avoid smoke and other irritants.
• Drink lots of fluids.
• Keep track of when your cough worsens and what makes it worse.
• Do not keep taking medicines without knowing the cause.

If the cough persists, seek medical advice.

Experts Insights

A chronic cough isn’t always an allergy. Allergies, asthma, reflux, infections and airway irritation can cause similar symptoms.

If your cough keeps coming back or does not get better, getting the right diagnosis can help you get the right treatment.

Dr. Ammaiyappan Palaniswamy C

Key Points

• Coughing can be caused by allergies but also by other conditions.
• Asthma, reflux, infections and smoking can cause a chronic cough.
• Sneezing and post-nasal drip due to allergies.
• Chronic cough – cough lasting for more than 8 weeks in adults.
• See a healthcare professional if you have a persistent cough.
• Get emergency care for serious trouble breathing, chest pain, or coughing up blood.

About the Reviewer

Dr. Ammaiyappan Palaniswamy C

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“Are you still coughing?” I asked. “Thought it was allergies?”

A cough that keeps coming back. Don’t ignore it. The professionals at MGM Healthcare can assess your symptoms, determine the possible cause and direct you to the right care.

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